Since PPKM has dropped to level 1, it seems that Jakarta has become more "busy". Offices are starting to fully implement WFO. Public transport, train stations and other public spaces are doubly congested. Residents have started to revive shopping centers and recreational areas. It feels like returning to normal activities like before the pandemic. In a situation like this, how should we behave? What should be done to keep Smartcitizen safe during activities, especially in public places? Come on, follow these tips.

Office

In accordance with the regulations in the Governor's Decree Number 492 Year 2022, offices may operate with a 100% working system from the office. For Smartcitizens, especially those who last worked in the office before the pandemic, there needs to be special preparation when returning to the office. The most important thing is to wear a mask, even when on public transportation to the office. Considering that public transportation is crowded, it's a good idea to keep wearing a mask because you will be sharing space with many people. Arriving at the office, you may need to prepare PeduliLindungi on your smartphone to scan the QR code. Apart from PeduliLindungi, you can also use JAKI if you want to use only one application for all Covid-19 handling services in Jakarta.

While in the office, you will usually do a lot of activities. Not infrequently, you need to hold objects that are not necessarily sterile. Therefore, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after coming into contact with shared items. For lunch, it would be better if you bring your own cutlery and drink. Sharing eating utensils with other people can increase the potential for contracting the Covid-19 virus. Likewise when you want to pray at the office. Use personal equipment to make it more safe and comfortable. Oh yes, before going home from work, don't forget to scan the QR code via PeduliLindungi or JAKI, Smartcitizen. By doing this screening, you have helped the government in the Covid-19 contact tracing program.

Public transportation

Earlier, we mentioned a little about the capacity of public transportation after the PPKM level in Jakarta was lowered. Well, for those of you who commute everyday or are just loyal users of public transportation, it's better to take extra protection so you don't get infected with the virus. The trick is to avoid busy hours of mobility. This does require a bit more effort, but believe me, being in a condition that doesn't have to be jostled on public transportation will make you much safer. In addition, don't forget to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after arriving at your destination, OK? As long as you haven't cleaned your hands, it's a good idea not to touch your face so that the virus doesn't enter through your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Shopping centers

Actually, shopping centers or malls in Jakarta have already been back to “normal” since a while ago. But in this PPKM period, the visitor capacity has been maximized, so there is the potential for more people to be in the shopping center at one time. In order to anticipate this condition, you must follow the policy of the shopping center to scan the QR code before entering and leaving the location. Some places even still apply temperature checks. There's nothing wrong with following these rules. You only need less than a minute to do all that.

While at the mall, maybe you will visit several places, such as restaurants. Nowadays, restaurants and cafes inside malls are allowed to have 100% visitor capacity. Well, with this rule, you really can't be careless, huh. You have to stay alert because it means you will open the mask with the condition of the room that is potentially full of people. Suggestion for Smartcitizens, don't open the mask for too long. Just open it when you're eating or drinking. If you want to chat after eating, try to be in a state of wearing a mask again, okay?

Cinema

At the beginning of the pandemic, the cinema became one of the places where the attendance of visitors was contrasted compared to the pre-pandemic era. But now, cinemas in Jakarta are allowed to operate optimally again. One by one, local and foreign films started showing on the big screen. People are flocking back to watching cinemas like before the pandemic. Nowadays, if you want to watch a movie, you need to obey the rules to scan the QR code before entering or leaving the location. At the beginning of the pandemic moviegoers were obliged to sit alternately as an effort to maintain physical distance. Right now, we don’t need to do that anymore. Spectators can sit next to each other. This is an important condition to note, because the cinema is an enclosed space with minimal ventilation and we also have to sit for hours in it.

One of the self-protection efforts that Smartcitizens can do is to keep wearing a mask while  watching movies. Opening the mask when you want to eat or drink is okay. As long as you use it again afterward, especially if the cinema is full of spectators.

Music concert

Have you been aware that music concerts are starting to get crowded again? Since a few months ago, residents have been shocked by Indonesian and foreign musicians who will hold concerts. The tickets were sold out in a matter of minutes. Seeing our condition, which had minimal music shows at the beginning of the pandemic, it seems that people have started to miss the sensation of watching concerts.

PPKM Level 1 is the right moment for these concerts to start. With the Covid-19 case and control being more stable in Jakarta, of course we can be calmer if we want to watch a concert which will surely have a huge audience. But being calmer doesn't mean not being alert. Some things still need to be done, such as wearing masks and minimizing physical contact with other people. Then, what if the concert is outdoor? Do you still have to wear a mask?

Actually, people are allowed to take off their masks in open spaces or spaces that are not crowded. However, in a music concert that tends to be crowded, it is recommended for you to still wear a mask. The use of masks in open spaces is still mandatory for the elderly, people with comorbidities, even simple people who are experiencing symptoms of cough or cold. Even now, we don't just have the Covid-19 disease around us. There are new diseases, such as acute hepatitis which is said to be transmitted through the respiratory and digestive tracts. So, keep wearing your mask.

Those are a few tips that you can apply to face Jakarta's conditions when things start getting back to normal. What about other public places? Actually, wherever the place is, the rules are still the same. Wear masks, wash your hands with soap and running water, maintain physical distance with others, stay away from crowds, and limit mobility and interaction. If you have tried your best by implementing those protocols, you should be safer and have minimal potential for contracting the virus. For maximum protection, Smartcitizens can also use the JAKI application. There are various integrated Covid-19 handling features, such as a list of vaccines, reporting PPKM violations, and monitoring the current condition of active cases in Jakarta. Don't have the app yet? Download now on Google Play Storeor Apple App Store, it's free! Finally, welcome back to your normal routine, Smartcitizen!