Semarang Mayor: PPKM Tightening Has Not Been Effective In Reducing COVID-19 Cases

Semarang Mayor Hendrar Prihadi/ANTARA

SEMARANG - Semarang Mayor, Hendrar Prihadi, said the tightening of the implementation of restrictions on community activities (PPKM) had not been effective in reducing the number of COVID-19 transmissions in the capital city of Central Java Province.

"The PPKM has been tightened, but it has not had an impact on reducing COVID-19 cases", said the mayor who is familiarly called Hendi in Semarang, quoted by Antara, Thursday, July 1.

Hendi said cases of COVID-19 transmission were still increasing despite the closure of several roads, acceleration of vaccination implementation, and the enforcement of health protocols.

Therefore, the city government is trying to find the best solution to overcome the transmission of COVID-19. The municipal government is also ready to follow up on the central government's decision to carry out Emergency PPKM in Java and Bali from July 3 to 20.

However, Mayor Hendi said the city government would first discuss detailed regulations regarding the implementation of Emergency PPKM, including those relating to the implementation of the WFH (work from home) system for non-essential sectors.

"This requires technical clarity, how to control it", he said.

According to data from the Semarang City Government, as of Thursday at 14.00 WIB, the number of COVID-19 patients who are still undergoing treatment in the capital city of Central Java is 2,376 people.

The government will implement Emergency PPKM from 3 to 20 July 2021 in areas with pandemic levels 4 and 3 on the islands of Java and Bali.

In Central Java, there are 13 regions with a level 4 pandemic situation or areas with 150 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population per week, the number of COVID-19 patients being hospitalized more than 30 people per 100,000 population per week, and cases of death due to Coronavirus infections are more than five per 100,000 population per week.

Areas with a level 4 pandemic situation that must carry out Emergency PPKM in Central Java include the districts of Sukoharjo, Rembang, Pati, Kudus, Klaten, Kebumen, Grobogan, Banyumas, as well as the cities of Tegal, Surakarta, Semarang, Salatiga, and Magelang.