Indonesia Tightens Curbs on Millions as Virus Cases Spike
Indonesia Tightens Restrictions on Millions as Infections Spike
(Bloomberg) --
Indonesia has extended stricter social-distancing rules to millions of people living on the main island of Java, and in West Sumatra, as the world’s fourth-most populous nation strives to stem a spike in coronavirus cases.
Large-scale social restrictions will be put in place across five regions in West Java that collectively house almost 9 million people, Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto said in a statement issued by the Indonesian cabinet secretariat. A similar order has been given for Tegal, a city in Central Java, and for the province of West Sumatra. Putranto noted a significant increase in the spread of Covid-19 cases in these areas.
Overall, Indonesia reported 325 new infections on Saturday, taking the total number of confirmed cases to more than 6,200. That’s versus 407 new infections on Friday, which marked the biggest daily increase since the southeast Asian country reported its first case. The government has continuously expanded a partial lockdown to more cities outside the capital Jakarta, the epicenter of the outbreak.
The five regions in West Java include Cimahi City, Bandung Regency, West Bandung Regency, Sumedang Regency and Bandung City -- the nation’s fourth-most populous city.
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