Jakarta reported 281 new cases on Monday, making a total of 14,797 cases and 697 deaths so far. This figure was among the city’s record daily highs since the outbreak hit, the fifth-largest after 404 on Sunday, 378 on Saturday, 357 on Wednesday and 284 on Thursday.

The latest daily records came a day after Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said the city might consider tightening its large-scale social restrictions (PSBB). Jakarta has gradually relaxed restrictions since June 4 in the hope of easing economic suffering, with businesses and offices reopening under new health protocols. It has also reopened public green spaces and outdoor tourist destinations.

"If this continues, we may have to return to [social restrictions]. […] Do not let this situation reach the point where we have to pull the emergency brake,” Anies said on Sunday.

The emergency brake policy would see a restoration of stricter PSBB, which had allowed only eight essential sectors to operate during the pandemic.

“If that happens, we all have to go back home, and economic, religious and social activities will be halted,” Anies said.

He acknowledged the persistent outbreak in Jakarta, saying that while most of the new cases were the result of the administration’s massive “active case finding” efforts, the city's positivity rate -- the number of people who test positive divided by the total number tested -- has caused concern.

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