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Jakarta considers weekend lockdowns as cases march upward
The plan was inspired by a similar policy in Turkey.
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Mural artists paint concrete pillars beneath the Cawang-Tanjung Priuk elevated toll road in East Jakarta on Dec. 4, 2020. The murals seek to remind the public to adhere to health protocols. (JP/P.J. Leo)
T
he Jakarta administration is considering imposing full lockdowns throughout the city on weekends in yet another attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19, but experts say the plan would not be effective at preventing transmission.
Jakarta deputy governor Ahmad Riza Patria mentioned the plan on Tuesday, saying that the administration was considering it to prevent people from attending crowded events.
“The governor will hold internal meetings to see if the recommendation given by a House [of Representatives] lawmaker is feasible,” Riza said, as quoted by tempo.co.
The idea of weekend lockdowns was first raised by National Mandate Party (PAN) lawmaker Saleh Daulay, who sits on House Commission IX overseeing health. He argued that public activity restrictions (PPKM) had not been ineffective.
PPKM was imposed in 77 regencies and municipalities in Java and Bali from Jan. 11 to 25. It was then extended to Feb. 8 in response to persistent increases in COVID-19 cases.
Read also: ‘Not effective’: Jokowi bemoans poor enforcement of virus restrictions
As reported by kompas.com, Daulay suggested that the authorities impose a curfew from Friday night until Sunday evening that would bar people from leaving their homes for most purposes.
