COVID-19: New cases in Jakarta exceed 1,000 mark for two consecutive days

The number of new COVID-19 positive cases in Jakarta exceeded the 1,000 mark for the second consecutive say today, bringing the tally to 40,086.

Indonesian government spokesperson for COVID-19 Prof Wiku Adisasmito said in a press conference broadcast via Indonesia's Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) official YouTube channel that a total of 1,049 new positive cases were recorded in the province in the past 24 hours, after recording 1,094 new positive cases yesterday.

He said the Jakarta authorities needed to be stricter in enforcing the rules set through the transitional phase of the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB), which included the mandatory use of face masks and physical distancing in public places as well as at work and houses of worship.

Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 positive cases in Indonesia to date has reached 174,796, an increase of 2,743 cases.

Between noon yesterday and noon today, 74 deaths were also reported, bringing the overall death toll to 7,417 people.

East Java province recorded the second highest number of positive cases at 33,543.

The province recorded the highest death toll at 2,370, followed by Jakarta (1,198), Central Java (998), South Sulawesi (360) and the rest in other provinces.

-- BERNAMA