“The only COVID-19 patient in Tegal has recovered. Therefore, Tegal is now reporting zero cases of COVID-19,” Tegal Mayor M. Jumaidi said on Thursday.

He also claimed that the number of people under general monitoring (ODP) and patients under surveillance (PDP) for COVID-19 in the city shows had shown a declining trend since the city implemented the PSBB on April 23.

“Residents protested [the restriction] at first. Many still violated the rule by not wearing a mask and gathering outside. But in the second week, they started to show more discipline,” Jumaidi said.

However, he said that his administration was still optimizing the PSBB measures as people from several COVID-19 red zones continued arriving in the city and some mass religious events still took place at several locations.

Read also: COVID-19: Central Java tracking down 1,500 residents who attended Gowa gathering

The city administration has also decided to extend its PSBB period to May 22 to ensure it had successfully ended COVID-19 transmissions.

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo commended the achievement but urged residents of Tegal to remain vigilant until the pandemic has truly ended and the economy restored.

He also demanded that the Tegal administration heavily sanction violators.

“It’s hard to maintain discipline,” Ganjar said, adding that community awareness played an important factor in determining the success of the PSBB.

He further pointed out that Tegal city was located next to Tegal, Brebes and Pemalang regencies, which are considered COVID-19 red zones.

“Please, I’m asking Tegal residents to stay at home unless they have a very urgent matter. And when going outside, don’t forget to wear a mask and maintain a physical distance,” the governor said. (aly)