In-Person Learning in Jakarta Guarded by Municipal Police

TheIndonesia.co - Jakarta Municipal Police is deploying its personnel to observe the implantation of in-person learning at schools in the capital, as Omicron cases reported among students and teachers.

Chief of the unit Arifin confirmed on Wednesday, January 19, that personnel are appointed in schools that conduct in-person learning with 100 percent capacity, as reported by Antara.

The deployment started on Tuesday in response to COVID-19 case surge that occurred at schools and after Omicron case was confirmed in the capital city. Two to five personnel will be present in each school.

According to Arifin, surveillance will be conducted through patrols in and around school areas, including nearby shops and stalls, as there have been reports of students swarming food vendors which may result in the spread of COVID-19.

Crowds forming around shops and stalls is almost inevitable as cafeterias in schools aren’t allowed to operate during the face-to-face learning activity.

“When students are inside the school, there’s no cafeteria. But once outside, they buy food and remove their masks while also eating and chatting,” Arifin said.

It was previously reported that 39 schools are closed temporarily after COVID-19 cases were reported.

Jakarta deputy governor Ahmad Riza Patria reported 67 cases were confirmed in educational institutions since in-person learning started on January 8. The cases were found among 62 students, two teachers, and two staffs.