Batam, Batamnews - Ahead of the 2022 New Year, the Riau Islands Provincial Government reminded residents in 7 districts/cities to avoid crowds.

This was related to the vigilance of the threat of Covid transmission to date. Besides processions and parades are also prohibited, visitors at shopping/mall areas are also asked to use the PeduliLindungi application.

The regulation is stated in the Riau Islands Governor's Circular Letter No. 643/SET-STC19/XII/2021 issued December 17, 2021. This SE will take effect from December 24, 2021, to January 2, 2022.

Celebration events at malls during the new year at shopping centers were also asked to be canceled, except for the MSME exhibition.

Then shopping malls, which usually operate from 10:00 to 21:00 WIB, will be allowed to open until 22:00 WIB.

The regulation also mentions restrictions with the number of visitors not exceeding 75% of the total capacity of Shopping Centers and Malls.

Eating and drinking activities in shopping centers/malls can be carried out with a maximum capacity limitation of 75% with the implementation of health protocols.

As for activities at tourist attractions and public places, the government will identify tourist attractions that target vacation in each district/city to have good health protocols.

Celebration parties with crowds in open/closed areas are prohibited. In addition, the use of loudspeakers which causes people to gather massively is also not allowed

Community activities, including cultural arts that cause crowds that have the potential to spread Covid-19, are limited.