Banjarmasin closes all attraction on NYE

Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The government of Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, closed all tourist attraction on NYE to anticipate crowds due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Yes, all closed, in order to prevent the accumulation of people or visitors," said Head of Banjarmasin Culture and Tourism Office Ikhsan Al-Haq here on Friday.

According to him, all attractions under the management of the city government, such as Siring Martapura River on Jalan Piare Tendean and other sirings as well as the Green Open Space of Kamboja on Jalan Anang Adenansi, which usually become the points of mass gathering have been closed since the afternoon.

"(The places) guarded by officers, so no one is allowed to go there," said Ikhsan Al-Haq.

He also asked the public who wanted to make a celebration to do that at home.

"We are stil in the midst of pandemic, moreover there is a new variant of Omicron," he reminded as asked the public to be vigilants and not to try to visit tourist attractions for a while.

Menwhile, Mayor H Ibnu Sina issued a circular letter as of December 23, 2021 prohibiting stage performance, gala dinner by inviting artists, and othe forms of crowds.

However, the Mayor allowed the opening of restaurants, hawker stalls and cafes as well as night entertainments on NYE by implementing health protocols and limited time.

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