JAKARTA: Indonesia continued to record a surge of new positive COVID-19 cases by surpassing the figure of 31,000 cases today - the highest number since the first case was detected in March 2020.

A further 728 deaths were reported in the 24-hour period - the highest daily death toll on record - bringing the total number of deaths to 61,868 people.

According to data by National Disaster Mitigation Agency posted via its Twitter account @BNPB_Indonesia today, a total of 31,189 new cases were recorded - bringing the total number of positive cases to 2,345,018.

From July 3 to July 20, the Indonesian government tightened the COVID-19 health protocol by enforcing the Emergency Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM Darurat) in Java and Bali.

Among the rules imposed under the PPKM Darurat are are the closure of shopping malls, houses of worship, and tourism-related establishments and recreational places; the full establishment of online learning, the implementation of 100 per cent work from home for non-essential sectors, and prohibition on dining-in at at restaurants, eateries or stalls.

The Indonesian government has also made it mandatory for inoculation with COVID-19 vaccine as well as a swab test (PCR) or antigen testing in order to travel across provinces or states.

And starting today (July 6), according to a statement from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, all foreigners who enter Indonesia must have a vaccine certificate, in addition to undergoing a swab test.

Foreign nationals arriving in Indonesia are required to quarantine for eight days with two swab tests -one upon arrival and another swab on the seventh day of quarantine.

-- BERNAMA