Critical Situation, Jakarta Extends PPKM Mikro amid Rising Covid-19 Cases

The Jakarta administration has extended the current period of micro-scale public activity restrictions (PPKM Mikro) for another two weeks starting today until June 28, as Covid-19 cases continue to rise in the capital city.

The number has increased in recent days to 2,000, 2,300, 2,400, and 2,700 with a significant increase in the positivity rate at 17.9%

Based on the Jakarta Health Agency's latest data, Jakarta has seen a surge in Covid-19 transmission after the Eid holidays. As of May 31, it has shown active cases at 10,658 with a positivity rate of 7.6% from PCR test results.

"In two weeks, we've seen an increasing trend of new and active cases until as of June 14 with active cases at 19,096 or an increase of 9,000 cases. The number has increased in recent days to 2,000, 2,300, 2,400, and 2,700 with a significant increase in the positivity rate at 17.9%," said Jakarta Health Agency Head, Widyastuti, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release, Tuesday (6/15).

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According to her, there was a new variant found recently in Jakarta, namely Sars-Cov-2 or Covid-19 virus from abroad. There were several variants to watch out for, namely Delta B1617.2 variant, which is already transmitting in Jakarta.

"These new variants are quite troublesome as they have their own ability to infect us, like the Delta B1617.2 variant, very easy to spread and the Beta B1351 variant, very easy to make symptoms worse or more deadly. Despite according to the latest research, all variants can still be anticipated with vaccines, but we really have to be aware of this together," she explained.

Therefore, she ensured that the administration was working to prepare short-term anticipation in advance by increasing as much as possible the occupancy capacity of isolation beds or Bed Occupancy Rate (BOR). Moreover, as we know, there was an increase in the occupancy of Covid patients, as of May 31, the capacity of isolation beds in Jakarta was 6,621 and 2,176 or 33% were used and ICU was 1,014 and 362 or 36% were used.

"We also experienced a significant increase as of June 14, the isolation bed capacity was 7,341 filled by 5,752 or has touched 78% in just 2 weeks and ICU 1,086 filled 773 or 71%. Of the 78% occupied beds, 25 percent are non-Jakarta residents and our commitment remains not to discriminate, but this is a warning that the virus knows no boundaries," she asserted.

"This is what we have to anticipate. That's why we have involved various parties and have utilized various resources to increase BOR, where we plan to add self-isolation facilities in collaboration with the center with BNPB, such as the Nagrak Cilincing Flats, Wisma PMII, and Wisma Ragunan which will later be used as additional facilities if they experience a surge in people who must be addressed," she added.

Aside that, her agency was also proposing to the central government to add tracers (officers who will carry out tracking) where these tracers would later play an important role in carrying out early detection. Thus control could be done well.

In the meantime, Jakarta Governor, Anies Baswedan was strengthening synergies and collaboration with Forkopimda and all elements of society as a precautionary measure. It would be implied in various activities, such as joint operations to establish collective discipline. Based on last year's experience, if Jakarta was entering a critical phase, the administration had to pull the emergency brake which would have an impact on the economy.

"Our city now needs extra attention. If the situation is out of control, we will be in a critical phase, therefore we have to take drastic steps like those experienced in September and February last year. Two elements must work together. Elements of the people with the government and law enforcement, must collaborate, the community runs 3M and we (in the government) all implement 3T," uttered the Governor.

He also explained that the current conditions should make us more alert and aware of the dangers of Covid-19 and its mutations. The public should be more disciplined to implement all PPKM Mikro regulations, ranging from homes, workplaces, public facilities, restaurants, entertainment facilities, etc. All would be disciplined collectively and given sanctions if anyone violates.

"So, this is a warning to all of us, let's be vigilant, let's come back more disciplined. I want to remind everyone, we are still in a pandemic, try to stay at home. All offices please do an evaluation, if the activity is more than 50 percent of employees, return it to 50 percent, including all entertainment facilities, such as gathering places, restaurants, restaurants, cafes, etc. You must close at 9 PM. If not, you will be punished without exception. Everyone, let's take responsibility," he stressed.

"And to all people, if it's not urgent, please stay at home. Hopefully it will make the situation in Jakarta more under control," he hoped.