Our breathing is intensifying from all the anxiety, as Indonesia has taken the bold decision to allow large-scale public gatherings and events amid declining COVID-19 cases.
The Information and Communications Ministry today announced that concerts, large weddings, conferences, trade exhibitions, and other large-scale events are now permitted with strict health protocols and screening at venues.
“There is a need for us to enable public activity so people stay productive while continuing to be safe from COVID-19,” Information and Communications Minister Johnny G. Plate said today.
The concession effectively paves the way for major sports events to take place, particularly the National Games (PON) in Papua from Oct. 2 to 15.
Authorities will take into consideration COVID-19 transmission risk when granting permission to hold a large-scale event, which takes into account air circulation at the venue, the number of visitors, and duration of event.
As the news came pretty much out of the blue, lawmakers have urged the government not to rush lifting restrictions on large public gatherings and conduct a thorough study on the matter before coming to a decision.
Indonesia has gradually eased restrictions on public activities ever since cases declined from the worst COVID-19 outbreak the country has ever seen in July. Recently, malls reopened to the public, followed by cinemas, as a return to normalcy looms.
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