Jakarta Council (DPRD) Deputy Chairman, Mohamad Taufik asked all parties to continue anticipating the potential for increase in COVID-19 transmission rate, especially before and during Eid al-Fitr.

Health protocol should be ensured that it can be implemented well

He assessed, people should be careful when visiting several places that are potentially crowded, such as traditional markets or shopping centers.

"Health protocol should be ensured that it can be implemented well. Especially related to capacity, such as in shopping centers or markets, since it has potential to cause crowds and increase COVID-19 spread. I think incident in India can be a valuable lesson thus we can avoid similar case in here," he mentioned, Monday (5/3).

He supported Jakarta Governor, Anies Baswedan's fast response together with TNI/Police ranks and related agencies to implement policies that are considered necessary to prevent crowds at Tanah Abang Market, Central Jakarta.

"Number of visitors should be limited to prevent overcrowd. Its operating hours must also be regulated," he said.

He urged traders and customers to take advantage of technology in doing transaction during COVID-19 pandemic.

"This way, trading can continue while potential for COVID-19 transmission can be minimized," he added.

Besides, he reminded people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 to keep implementing health protocol when doing activities outside, both in office and markets.

"Although you have been vaccinated, don't let office or market clusters to emerge for ignoring health protocol," he asserted.

He also considered that government's policy to ban homecoming is appropriate and must be obeyed by residents and government employees. Thus spike in COVID-19 cases related to Eid al-Fitr can be prevented.

"I hope bus companies can also understand that the policy should be implemented for broader common interest, that is for people's safety. If this pandemic ends soon, economy will recover soon," he said.

He also asked urban village and sub-district administrators to take a part in socializing and educating residents to reduce and minimize COVID-19 transmission in Jakarta.

"People should be aware and build collective cooperation in overcoming COVID-19 pandemic. Not only government, but also residents should also participate in it," he conveyed.