The Home Affairs Ministry reported that the number of regions with level 1 public activity restrictions (PPKM) had continued to increase in terms of the extension of PPKM in Java-Bali and the areas outside them.

Director General of Regional Administration at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Safrizal, stated through an electronic message here on Tuesday.

In Java-Bali, the number of regions with level 1 PPKM had increased, from 11 to 41 regions.

Meanwhile, the number of regions that implement level 2 PPKM decreased, from 116 regions to 86 regions. However, the number of regions that apply level 3 PPKM remained at 1, and no region was implementing level 4 PPKM based on the latest provision.

For regions outside Java-Bali, the number of regions with level 1 PPKM increased, from 88 to 170 regions.

Subsequently, the number of regions that implement level 2 PPKM decreased, from 276 to 196. Similarly, a decrease was also recorded in the number of regions that implement level 3 PPKM, from 22 to 20 regions.

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Safrizal expressed optimism that the improvement would continue despite the government having lifted the mask mandate in open spaces that are not crowded.

However, he highlighted that vulnerable groups, older adults, people with comorbidities, and those experiencing symptoms, such as cough and cold, are still urged to wear masks while conducting activities.

Despite the ease in mask rule, he appealed to the community to remain alert against the potential rise in COVID-19 cases.

He noted that regional governments must continue to monitor the implementation of health protocols, so that the pandemic can be overcome at the earliest.