Semarang | Thursday, December 24, 2020 | 8:12 am
The Central Java administration plans to screen holidaygoers using antigen tests at some famous tourist destinations, such as Borobudur Temple, during the Christmas and New Year holidays to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dubbed Operation Yustisi, the operation will set up screening posts at 11 locations across the province, six of which are holiday spots. “The Central Java Public Order Agency [Satpol PP] will enlist 50 officials who will be working [at the 11 locations] from Dec. 24 to 31,” Central Java Satpol PP head Budiyanto Eko Purwono told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
“They will join forces with local Satpol PP and health agency officials as well as the police and the military [for Operation Yustisi].” Dieng Highlands in Wonosobo, Baturaden in Banyumas, Semilir eco park in Semarang and Tawangmangu in Karanganyar are other tourist attractions — all starting from Dec. 24 to 27. Five rest areas along toll roads in the province will also be screened for COVID-19, including one rest area in Tegal from Dec. 27 to 31 and one in Batang from Dec. 24 to 26.
Screening posts in three resting areas will be set up in the Semarang regency. Budiyanto said anyone who tested positive using the antigen tests would be automatically directed to the nearest regency or city quarantine facility. Previously, a circular that governs travel for the year-end holiday season from Dec. 19, 2020 to Jan. 8, 2021 was issued by the national COVID-19 task force.
One of the conditions for travelers in the circular letter is that a negative rapid antigen test result, valid for three days before departure, must be presented by travelers using air transport or land transportation from, to or within Java Island. On Monday until January 4, 2021, the National Police Traffic Corps began Operation Lilin 2020 to provide protection and perform random antigen tests for travelers in around 70 rest areas along intercity roads across the country. In order to disperse crowds, the police will also deploy 123,000 staff for the operation.
