In-Person Learning Continues in Jakarta After Student Infections

TheIndonesia.co - Jakarta authorities confirm the province will continue the in-person learning policy at schools after two students were infected with COVID-19.

Deputy governor Ahmad Riza Patria said the detected cases have yet to affect learning activity at other schools in the capital, which was only allowed earlier this month.

“There are thousands of schools in Jakarta, and it’s unreasonable to close all of them when [infections are found in] one or two schools,” Patria said in Jakarta, on Wednesday, January 12.

However, he ensured that the provincial government will consider every suggestions related to the ideal in-person learning. But in the meantime, it will go on with the policy.

Previously, it was reported that two students from SMAN 71 and SMK Malaka tested for positive for COVID-19. And as per regulation, the two schools will close for five days while tracing effort continues.

“We will follow the rules and procedures. Hopefully, all of us–especially the parents–can make certain that students follow and implement health protocols,” Patria concluded.

On January 3, Jakarta provincial government started to allow in-person learning at schools with 100 percent capacity. The policy is in accordance with Joint Ministerial Decree (SKB) of Four Ministers on learning activities during COVID-19 pandemic. Jakarta’s education office also issued a regulation that maps out the rules that must be implemented by schools during the in-person learning.