Indonesia: Authorities report largest daily rise in COVID-19 cases amid easing of restrictions June 6 /update 27

Event

Indonesian health authorities on Saturday, June 6, reported the largest daily increase of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The health ministry officially confirmed an increase of 993 new cases, bringing the total number to 30,514. Furthermore, 31 new deaths were reported, bringing the total to 1801.

Previously, on Thursday, June 4, Jakarta Governor Anise Baswedan announced that the city would ease some restrictions from Friday, June 5. Public transport has since been allowed to resume operations and places of worship have reopened. Over the coming two weeks, offices and shopping centers will also be allowed to reopen. However, restrictions imposed on movement in mid-April and strict hygiene requirements will remain in place.

On May 21, Indonesian authorities revoked a regulation stipulating that all arrivals to the country would require a health certificate from their country of origin certifying a negative COVID-19 result. Currently, a negative test result from a rapid test available at Indonesian ports of entry is required. This announcement comes after the government declared that the entry of foreign workers was suspended from May 11, following the rejection of 500 Chinese workers from Southwest Sulawesi in early May.

Other previously announced measures remain in place, including the prohibition of all entry and transit by foreign nationals into or through Indonesia; wearing face masks in public is also mandatory. However, foreigners with a limited stay permit card (Kitas), permanent stay permit card (Kitap), or other similar permits will still be allowed to enter the country.

Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.