Indonesia Further Eases COVID-19 Restrictions In Preparation Of Ramadan

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar JAKARTA, March 24 (Bernama) -- As the holy month of Ramadan nears and the daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia continues to decline, Indonesia announced the lifting of restrictions on tarawih prayers and for its citizens to return to their hometowns for Aidilfitri. Mosques allowed to hold tarawih prayer in congregation during the holy month of Ramadan and fully vaccinated individuals with a booster dose could return to their hometowns for Aidilfitri, President Joko Widodo said in a statement. However, Joko Widodo has banned government officials and employees from holding fast-breaking and Aidilfitri open house gatherings. Despite the easing of restrictions during the holy month, the president reminded the public to obey the health protocols. The easing restrictions for the locals comes after Indonesia on Tuesday announced international travellers will be allowed to enter the country without the need to quarantine, but a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival is still required. The country recorded 6,376 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, down from Tuesday’s 7,464 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 5,974,646. -- BERNAMA