Batam, Batamnews - The high number of Covid cases in Tanjungpinang has prompted the government to extend the implementation of Level 4 Community Restrictions (PPKM), which were previously implemented from 20-25 July 2021.

PPKM 4 was extended for the next 14 days until August 8, 2021. Previously, the government had also imposed an Emergency PPKM on July 12-20, 2021.

Both Batam and Tanjungpinang have seen an increase in cases since May. The increase reached hundreds of percent. Even Batam recorded a record of up to 500 daily cases in July.

However, this certainly cannot be separated from the close contact tracing efforts that the Covid-19 Task Force has intensified in Batam. Even the Batam Government is also planning a mass rapid test this week.

The Batam Government has also prepared integrated isolation locations such as dormitories and flats for COVID-19 positive residents without symptoms. This is because self-isolation is considered not to be monitored properly.

The Mayor of Batam, HM Rudi, said he was sad to see the current situation. "All of us are united, take care of the next 14 days, hopefully, it will be finished," he said in a statement on Saturday (24/7/2021).