Surakarta City Government Tightens Mall Operations Again, Tourist Attractions Remain Open

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/DOC BETWEEN

SOLO - The Surakarta City Government has again tightened the operation of shopping centers following the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in several areas, including Solo.

"Later, like malls, they can only be open until 20:00. This rule will be stated in the latest circular (SE)," said Chief Executive of the Surakarta City COVID-19 Task Force, Ahyani, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, June 23.

Mall operations that have goods delivery facilities can still be carried out for 24 hours, as well as restaurant operations for takeout services.

Regarding these rules, his party will not conduct special socialization or coordination with the management of shopping centers and restaurants.

Therefore, Ahyani asked the managers of shopping centers and restaurants to actively follow policy changes through the Surakarta Mayor's latest SE regarding the Implementation of Micro-Based Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) in Handling COVID-19.

"They should have known that, including entertainment venues will also be limited. This will also be in the latest SE, possibly this rule will take effect this week," he said.

Meanwhile, despite the tightening of operating hours, there will be no restrictions on the age of visitors to the mall, which means that children under the age of five are still allowed to enter the shopping center.

"The important thing is that the capacity can only be a maximum of 25 percent of the normal capacity, but there are no restrictions on age," continued Ahyani.

Tourist destinations will still be allowed for visitors of all ages.

"There is no closure for tourist destinations. The condition of Solo is different. In fact, the transmission is in dense environments, while in tourist destinations, the health protocols work. If we don't provide space for people who live in densely populated areas to be refreshed, it means we force them to interact only in areas where there are there (densely populated areas) only," he said.