Government Claims New Cases Of COVID-19 Spread Decreased

Chairperson of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19 Doni Monardo

JAKARTA - Chairperson of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19 Doni Monardo claims, new cases of the spread of COVID-19 have decreased by up to 11 percent.

"We explain that the rate of new cases has decreased to 11 percent, but this does not mean we are complacent," Doni said in a press conference after a closed meeting with President Jokowi which was broadcast on the official YouTube account of the Cabinet Secretariat, Monday, May 4.

However, he warned, there is a potential for an increase in COVID-19 cases if implementation of health protocols is slack. Considering that a number of clusters, including the Gowa cluster and travelers who have escaped from the authorities, have now created an epicenter for spreading in the regions.

In addition, based on data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu), Doni said, there were 70,367 migrant workers and 12,578 crew members who returned from abroad.

So, there is no more reason for the government to be careless in preventing COVID-19. This includes continuing to carry out the recommendations for washing hands, wearing a mask every time you travel, and carrying out physical distancing or keeping your distance.

Meanwhile, with regard to Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB), Doni also stated that its enforcement will not slow down even though in a number of areas there is a slowdown in the spread of the virus.

"The president asked that this slowdown not make us all slack and we still have to comply with health protocols," he said.

Even so, Doni confirmed that currently there was a PSBB that was being implemented excessively. So that the evaluation needs to be carried out further. "There are several places that have taken steps that according to the President are not quite right," he said.

"So there was a tent stall, a group of officers came and then forcibly dispersed. Like this is over (excessive). It should be reminded," added the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

He considered, reflecting on the incident, communication had to be made between officers and the public who did not understand the rules regarding PSBB.

Meanwhile, with regard to the possibility of relaxation of the PSBB which was conveyed by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) Mahfud MD, Doni was reluctant to answer further.

"The explanation regarding the PSBB relaxation was asked directly to him (Mahfud MD)," he said.

As previously reported, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) Mahfud MD said that the government is currently contemplating relaxation measures in implementing Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB).

According to him, PSBB relaxation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was thought of by the government because people complained that they could not do their usual activities such as shopping and earning a living. In fact, this restriction should not hamper the economy.

"The economy must not be stuck, cannot die. Therefore the President said the economy must still move and remain in accordance with health protocols," Mahfud told reporters, Sunday, May 3.

However, this former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK) assessed that currently, many people find it difficult to move from one place to another just for work or shopping. So that PSBB relaxation should be the answer to these difficulties.

"This is what is later stated that relaxation is necessary. Relaxation does not violate health protocols," said Mahfud.