Indonesia removes outdoor face mask mandate-Xinhua

Indonesia removes outdoor face mask mandate

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2022-05-17 21:27:01

People wearing masks take public transport in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 18, 2022. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri)

JAKARTA, May 17 (Xinhua) -- As the number of reported COVID-19 cases is showing a declining trend over the past few weeks, the Indonesian government announced Tuesday that the use of face masks would no longer be mandatory in outdoor spaces.

"The government has decided to lift more restriction policy. Wearing face masks is no longer mandatory when doing outdoor activities or gathering in outdoor spaces. However, people still have to wear masks indoors and inside public transportations," Indonesian President Joko Widodo told a virtual press conference.

He said the government did not fully end the face mask mandate. The policy is expected to be lifted in phases based on the gradual evaluation.

"We are still in a transition period. We will see how the situation develops in the next six months. We do not need to be in a hurry. We must remain careful before taking measurements," Widodo said.

The Southeast Asia's largest economy has claimed that it already has the COVID-19 cases under control, with its Health Ministry saying it recorded 182 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths during the past 24 hours.

People walk on a street in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 18, 2022. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri)

A man walks on the sidewalk in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 18, 2022. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri)