Jakarta recently extended the second so-called transitional large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) from Oct. 12 through Nov. 8.

Puji Astuti, head of the Thousand Islands Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, told tempo.co that the regency had welcomed 2,806 tourists, including 42 foreigners, from Oct. 24 to 25.

Puji said the number of arrivals had increased when compared with the preceding weekend, Oct. 17 to 18, when 2,261 tourists had visited the islands. 

Located to the north of the city, Thousand Islands is the closest beach resort and diving area for people living in the capital. The regency has come to be seen as a convenient travel destination during the transitional PSBB.

Popular destinations in the regency are the islands of Bidadari, Kelor, Cipir, Onrust and Pramuka. 

Currently, visitors can sail to Thousand Islands from several ports in North Jakarta, namely Kali Adem, Marina Ancol, Tanjung Pasir and Rawasaban. However, boats have been limited to 50 percent of their full capacity.

Amid the relaxed PSBB, the regency has applied various health and safety measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, such as body temperature checks before entering the islands. 

As for water activities, the local administration has capped the number of visitors at 25 percent of the respective venue’s capacity, and all visitors are required to keep a safe distance of 1 meter from one another. 

Puji expressed hoped that all the relevant parties could help ensure adherence with the 3M health protocol: menggunakan masker (mask-wearing), mencuci tangan (handwashing) and menjaga jarak (social distancing). 

On a different occasion, Thousand Islands Health Agency head Herwin Meifendi said the number of COVID-19 cases had decreased during the transitional PSBB, however, he asked people to stay alert and comply with health protocol. 

According to Herwin, the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases was in part due to people’s compliance with the health rules. 

With the reopening of tourism activities in the regency, Herwin hoped that all elements of the community could actively participate in enforcing health protocol. 

“We have also asked PSBB inspectors to tighten supervisions at the departure and arrival ports,” he added. 

As of Tuesday, 84 COVID-19 cases have been registered in Thousands Islands. Two patients were reportedly in treatment, while 80 patients have recovered and two have died of the coronavirus. (jes)