Anies Baswedan Worried COVID-19 In Jakarta Continues To Spike

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan (Photo: Twitter @aniesbaswedan)

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan is increasingly showing his concern over the surge in COVID-19 cases in the capital. This can be seen from his decision to tighten a number of rules in micro PPKM for the period from June 22 to July 5.

Many protocols on business activities were tightened until they were closed for two weeks. This is stated in the Decree of the Governor of DKI Number 769 of 2021 concerning the Extension of the Application of Micro-Based Community Activities (PPKM).

Anies' concern regarding the health crisis in Jakarta can also be seen from the statement he made.

"The significant increase in COVID-19 cases in DKI recently has forced us to finally make a serious decision to immediately suppress the spread of the virus," said Anies on Wednesday, June 23.

The number of children in DKI Jakarta who are positive for COVID-19 continues to grow. For example, in the highest daily new case increase, which was 5,582 cases on Sunday, June 20, 665 cases were children aged 5 to 18 years. And 224 children under five years.

Anies advised families to take care of their children in activities outside the home. Because, currently the level of exposure to COVID-19 in children is much higher than before.

"Currently, 16 percent of children are exposed. In fact, up to 4-5 percent of children under five are exposed. This is a special concern for children," said Anies.

Seeing this problem, Anies considers the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic to be different from last year. Where, various new virus variants have emerged, namely the Alpha variant from the UK, the Beta variant from South Africa, to the Delta variant from India.

"This means that we are facing a different epidemic situation from the beginning of last year. It is most likely a new variant that is easily transmitted, including to children," he said.

Then, while reviewing the readiness of the COVID-19 special public cemetery (TPU) in Rorotan yesterday, Anies had time to meet with the family left behind by relatives and being buried at the Rorotan TPU.

Anies saw that the sadness of the families was unstoppable. Moreover, they are forbidden to approach the tomb during the burial process. They are only allowed to see the cemetery from a distance.

"So, my friends, look at the residents of Jakarta, look at this, the conditions are tough for the family. Those who have to take relatives to this cemetery have a limit and they cannot enter again," said Anies.

Anies hopes that all parties can participate in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic as best as possible. He did not want the number of bodies buried in the COVID-19 special TPU to increase.

"This is a time when we take responsibility for discipline. Therefore, let's protect ourselves, family, neighbors, and protect colleagues. DKI is preparing a place, but we don't want more to be brought here," said Anies.

"So, the hope is to all, in this micro PPKM, reduce activities outside, increase activities at home," he added.