S Kalimantan considers curfew to curb COVID-19

Fire Brigade officers spray disinfectant on Jalan Piere Tandean, Banjarmasin, Monday (March 23, 2020). The simultaneous spraying of disinfectants in the city of Banjarmasin is one of the efforts to anticipate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, after one positive case in South Kalimantan. (Antaranews Kalsel/Bayu Pratama S.)

We are evaluating, whether the status needs to be raised again, especially in the affected area, such as Banjarmasin. If it is needed, we consider imposing a curfew,

Banjarbaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Head of South Kalimantan Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) concurrently the Daily Chief of Task Force for COVID-19 Prevention, Control and handling Wahyuddin. (ANTARA/HO-S Kalimantan Govt PR)

The South Kalimantan Provincial Government is considering to impose curfew in an effort to maximize the curb of COVID-19 outbreak.

Head of South Kalimantan Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) concurrently the Daily Chief of Task Force for COVID-19 Prevention, Control and Handling Wahyuddin in a press conference at the Provincial Government's Command Center in Banjarbaru, Monday (March 23, 2020) through video said the agency is evaluating the implementation of South Kalimantan's emergency response status in facing COVID-19.

"We are evaluating, whether the status needs to be raised again, especially in the affected area, such as Banjarmasin. If it is needed, we consider imposing a curfew," he stated.

To ensure, Wahyudin will see developments and conditions of people compliance in implementing these provisions.

"If it turns out that in a few days there are still many people who are outside rather than stay at home, then a curfew will be enforced," he said.

Related news: S Kalimantan Police Chief reminds people to avoid crowd

Since Monday (March 23, 2020), all state civil apparatus (ASN) of the South Kalimantan Provincial Government work at home, except for officials at certain levels.

While school students also learn from home, except for some teachers who still go to school.

The government has also issued an appeal for people to stay at home, during the COVID-19 emergency response period in order for the prevention efforts to run optimally.

Related news: Regional heads in S Kalimantan unite to fight against COVID-19

According to Wahyuddin, currently, all districts and cities in the province have sprayed disinfectants in all public places, including offices, places of worship, terminals, schools, and others.

The local government, he said, in cooperation with police also ban various activities involving many people. The police even had dispersed several crowds in Banjarmasin.

Previously, Banjarmasin Mayor Ibnu Sina had also issued a prohibition letter banning the operation of night entertainments, tourist sites, and other crowd places, during the period of preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Related news: COVID-19-positive patient in Banjarmasin in stable condition