Batam, Batamnews - The rate of Corona cases in Batam, Riau Islands has made the government extend the tightening of micro-scale Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM).

As a result, residents' activities are restricted and shopping centers are asked to close earlier than usual.

This policy is based on the Circular of the Mayor of Batam 26 of 2021 regarding the extension of micro-scale PPKM and optimization of the Covid-19 handling post to control the spread of Covid-19 in Batam referring to the instruction of the Minister of Home Affairs number 14 of 2021.

Deputy Mayor of Batam, Amsakar Achmad said the circular came into effect on June 23, 2021.

It will make adjustments based on the results of further evaluation by considering the expiration of the limitation period based on the provisions.

"Yes, the circular has indeed been enforced since the date it was stipulated," he said, Thursday (6/24/2021).

It is stated that the micro PPKM is carried out by considering the zoning criteria for regional control up to the RT level.

Activities in essential sectors such as health, foodstuffs, food, beverages, energy, communication and information technology, finance, banking, payment systems, capital markets, and logistics can operate 100 percent by regulating operating hours, capacity, and implementing health protocols regularly.

However, culinary activities in public places, both in separate locations, and those located in shopping centers/malls, are still limited.

Visitors can still enjoy eating at the venue with 25 percent of capacity in total while the operating hours are limited to 20.00 WIB.