HANOI – The Indonesian government has banned crowds congregating to celebrate Christmas and New Year in public places to prevent a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases.
The decision was taken at a virtual coordination meeting for Covid-19 handling in Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, and Bali chaired by Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.
The minister ordered to apply stricter restrictions against Covid-19 from December 18 to January 8, reported Vietnam News Agency.
A significant rise in confirmed cases was recorded after the holidays and joint leave at the end of October that necessitated the Indonesian government to tighten restrictions.
In Jakarta, 75% of the capital city’s employees are urged to work from home.
The minister said the policy of limiting operating hours to 7pm and limit the number of people gathering at restaurants, malls, and entertainment venues will be continued.
He added that religious, anniversary or celebratory events that can attract crowds must be restricted or prohibited.
According to Indonesia’s Health Ministry, the country logged 6,120 Covid-19 cases yesterday, raising the national tally to 629,429, with a death toll of 19,111. – Bernama, December 16, 2020
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