When we heard Governor Anies Baswedan announce the gradual
lifting of the Large-Scale Social Restriction (PSBB), we may have
breathed a collective sigh of relief. Finally, we can once more leave
the confines of our homes, reunite with our friends, and return to our
daily activities. Of course, you can do all that now, however, it’s
important to do it with moderation. The emphasis here lies on the term
‘Transition Period’ which means we are still in between PSBB and a
return to normalcy. Many restrictions, though partially lifted, are
still in effect to make sure no one goes overboard and that this
transition goes smoothly.
Establishments that have reopened such as restaurants,
shops, and offices are only operating at 50% capacity. Meaning that they
will only fit in half the amount of people into their establishment as
they do normally. The same applies to trains, buses, and taxis who will
only take half the amount of passengers that they are able to carry.
However, rules are merely a small part of the solution. The bigger part
is our everyday actions and discipline as citizens. We must take this
chance to learn to be better, educate ourselves, and remind others on
what we should or should not do to make sure the transition period goes
over well.
Go Out If Healthy, Stay Home If Sick
In times like these, your health also means everyone else’s
health. If you feel fit and healthy, you are allowed to leave your home
to do activities. However, if you are feeling a bit under the weather,
whether it is a cough, flu, fever, or something else, it is better for
you to stay at home until you feel reasonably healthier. As we know by
now, people who are ill are more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. In
the worst-case scenario, you may unknowingly be a positive case and risk
spreading it to others. If you are experiencing certain symptoms and
suspect that you may have COVID-19, you can perform the COVID-19
Likeliness Meter test through the JakCLM feature on the JAKI app
(available on the Google Play Store and App Store).
Even when you are healthy and are planning on going
outside, always remember to wear a mask. Other vulnerable persons such
as children, pregnant women, and the elderly are allowed to leave the
home as long as they are healthy. However, they are still prohibited
from participating in certain places such as recreational parks and
outdoor sport facilities. Some stores will also perform mandatory
temperature checks before allowing you to enter.
Avoid Forming Crowds
Even though most of us are allowed to leave our homes, it
is still not advisable to form or participate in activities that create
large crowds of people. There is a reason that the stores, parks, and
offices that reopen are only allowed to operate at 50% capacity. A large
amount of people gathering in a small or enclosed space proposes a high
risk for further spread of COVID-19. The coronavirus spreads through
viral water droplets released from the mouth and nose, and people with
close proximity are much more likely to inhale these droplets.
This is where the importance of keeping a safe distance of 1
meter between you and other people comes in, as well as the need for
wearing masks. Places that are half as full allows greater space between
people so that they don’t crowd together. If while doing activities
outdoors you see a big crowd or gathering of people, it is best to stay
away. You can help report the event through the JAKI app or other
complaint channels provided by the Jakarta Provincial Government.
Authorities will arrive on the scene shortly and disperse the crowd.
Travel Etiquette
Obviously, now that the restrictions have been partially
lifted, you would need to get places. The ideal way of traveling during
this time is simply by walking or cycling. These two methods are the
best means of travel for now as they are healthy, cheap, and exposes you
to the least amount of physical contact with other people. While
walking, be sure to keep a safe distance between you and other
pedestrians. Do not linger and stand around for too long, especially if
you’re walking with multiple people. If your destination is too far to
be covered by walking or cycling, your own personal vehicle would be the
next safe bet as it also requires the least amount of close contact.
Another option is to use an online motorcycle taxi service. But always
remember to use a cloth mask and use a hand sanitizer when getting on
and off the vehicle and use your own helmet.
If this is still not possible, you could still take the bus
or train. This is the least recommended out of all the transportation
options as it involves a lot of people crowded together in a small
enclosed space for long periods of time. Even though the transports are
operating at 50% passenger capacity, it still poses some significant
risk. While inside the bus or carriage, be sure to stay at least 1 meter
away from all other passengers. If you have to sneeze or cough, do not
do it in the direction of another passenger, instead cough or sneeze
into your inner elbow. Wash your hands immediately after getting off, or
take a shower if you are arriving at home. If you see that the bus or
train is too packed, it is preferable to wait for the next one until you
find one that is not too crowded. Being late to work or an appointment
is not worth risking your health over.
[PSBB Transition Period: how to do your activity safely]
Smartcitizen, now that you have some idea of the things you
should or should not do during the PSBB transition period, always try
to remind yourself and others to practice it. Whether or not this
transition to normalcy goes according to plan depends on the initiative
and discipline of the citizens. If we all work together and be smart, by
the time the month rolls around we will be one step closer to returning
to normal living like before the pandemic.
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