198 COVID-19 deaths in Indonesia, social distancing maintained

The Indonesian government has not imposed a ban on leaving home to address the COVID-19 pandemic, but has continued to emphasise on large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in all aspects of community activities to deal with the spread of the virus.

Despite the death toll from the virus increasing to 198 cases, Indonesians were still free to leave their homes, but they had to comply with the directives of PSBB, in addition to the emphasis on personal hygiene and health.

Indonesian Government spokesman on COVID-19, Achmad Yurianto said seven more deaths occurred in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 198, while positive cases from 12 noon yesterday to 12 noon today increased to 2, 273 cases.

"From today, the government also advises all Indonesians to wear a cloth face mask, which must be washed after a maximum 4 hours of use, for reuse," he said.

On March 31, Indonesian President Joko Widodo had declared a state of COVID-19 public health emergency and, via the declaration of the status, ordered the implementation of the PSBB.

The province of Jakarta has the highest COVID-19 death toll at 95 cases.

Despite the absence of a house ban, Jakarta is now "quiet" following a series of steps since March 16, such as closing schools, places of worship, tourist centres and entertainment centres.

A directive was also issued on working at home for non-critical sectors, a ban was imposed on congregations or gatherings on a large scale including restrictions on the use of public transports in addition to the "sit at home" campaign.

-- BERNAMA