COVID-19: Stricter social restrictions in Jakarta beginning today until April 23

Beginning today until April 23, tighter large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) have been imposed in the city to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.Among the new regulations include online rider services like Gojek and Grab no longer being allowed to carry passengers.

No exact figures have been given but it is estimated that there are more than 1.2 million online rider service drivers in Jakarta and the surrounding areas who will, beginning today, be allowed only to deliver goods or food.

In a statement issued today, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan also said public and private transportation will be limited to not more than 50 per cent capacity of passengers.

The public are also not allowed to dine-in in restaurants or food outlets, but only to purchase take-away food.

Anyone outside the home is also required to wear a mask, while private motorcyclists and online transport providers will have to wear gloves.

Anyone found contravening the order can be sentenced to a fine of up to a maximum of Rp100 million (almost RM30,000) and a jail sentence of up to one year.

As of yesterday, the number of deaths in Indonesia from the COVID-19 pandemic has risen to 280, with the highest number recorded in Jakarta with 142 cases.

Although there are no restrictions for people to be outside the home, the roads of Jakarta and its surrounding areas with a total population of more than 30 million people have become 'empty' since March 16 after measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 were introduced in stages.

This includes the closure of schools, places of worship, tourist sites and entertainment outlets, as well as the order to work from home for non-critical services, prohibition on assemblies, restriction on the use of public transport, and the "stay-at-home" campaign.

-- BERNAMA