Anies Baswedan's Reason For Extending The PSBB Period In Jakarta

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan (Photo: DKI Pemprov's Public Relations documentation)

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has extended the implementation of Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) for the next two weeks. This determination was carried out as a measure to deal with the corona virus outbreak or COVID-19.

This third phase will take effect from May 22, or a day after the end of the second phase of the PSBB, which is May 21.

"Jakarta will add PSBB for 14 days. Starting from June 22 to 4," said Anies at DKI City Hall, Tuesday, May 19.

The addition of the PSBB period, said Anies, was based on the experts' reproduction number calculations regarding the rate of transmission of the virus. Where, in March DKI Jakarta was at level four or one person could transmit the virus to four people.

However, in the last two weeks, the transmission rate of DKI Jakarta has decreased by three levels. This means that according to experts, the spread of COVID-19 is currently only transmitting one person from one person who is infected.

In this calculation, the ideal reproduction number is below one. If you are at that point, it means you are no longer transmitting the virus and the COVID-19 pandemic can be overcome.

"This figure in May, from May 4 to May 17, it moved from 1.08 to 1.11," said Anies.

The decrease in the level of spread is because the citizens of Jakarta remain at home. Based on available data, in March around 60 percent of Jakarta residents did not have any activity outside their homes. Thus, the spread rate automatically decreases. For this reason, it was decided to extend the term of the PSBB.

That way, it is hoped that in the third phase of PSBB implementation, the transmission rate will continue to decline. However, with a note that the public must be disciplined and always implement protocols for preventing transmission of COVID-19.

"This will be the final PSBB if we are disciplined. That's why we tell all, don't let us extend it again," said Anies.

In addition, by reflecting on the calculation of transmission, it is likely that there will no longer be an extension of the PSBB regulations. However, if the opposite is the case, evaluate and look for causes based on scientific findings.

"We make all decisions by relying on Imiah's findings, not approximate, it looks like the atmosphere is good. But based on data like this," concluded Anies.