JAKARTA: Indonesia recorded its biggest each day rise in COVID-19 deaths on Friday (Dec 25) with 258 fatalities, taking the overall to 20,847, a report by the nation’s health ministry confirmed.
The information confirmed coronavirus infections increased by 7,259, bringing the number of cases to 700,097.
Indonesia has the highest coronavirus caseload and loss of life toll in Southeast Asia.
Christmas celebrations in Indonesia have been a low-key affair after the Indonesian government imposed a ban on large gatherings throughout Christmas and New Yr’s eve earlier this month. Church buildings are restricted to only 50 worshippers.
Church Unity General-Secretary Prist Jacklevyn Frits Manuputy stated many churches within the capital Jakarta and in different cities have set up online services.
“We did all we can do to maintain individuals connected with God throughout this Christmas eve,” he stated.
Following the discovery of a new coronavirus variant spreading in Britain, Indonesia recently banned passengers from the UK.
Guidelines for these arriving from Europe and Australia have also been tightened following a sign the virus variant was spreading there.
President Joko Widodo this week appointed six new ministers in a Cabinet reshuffle, together with a replacement for health minister Terawan Agus Putranto who was heavily criticized for his dealing with the pandemic.
“The president has tasked me to concentrate on how we will handle the COVID-19 problem as rapidly and as best as possible,” stated new Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, who moved from his post as deputy minister for state enterprises and head of Jokowi’s economic recovery task force.
