Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chairman of the Task Force for Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling Lt Gen. Doni Monardo highlighted that several regions were yet awaiting the central government’s approval on applying the Large-Scale Social Distancing (PSBB) measure to halt the novel coronavirus transmission.

The approval had yet to be given in the event of several regions having incomplete data on budget allocation and operational costs to be incurred to support the application of PSBB, he explained.

"Though no rejection, but (it is necessary) to complete the requirements. This is since some areas have minimal requirements. Some have proposed PSBB, but the budget allocated for implementing the measure is not in accordance with the estimated operational costs. Hence, improvements are deemed necessary," Doni stated during a virtual press conference following a limited cabinet meeting chaired by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) from Istana Merdeka here on Monday.

The imposition of PSBB has been stipulated in Government Regulation No. 21 of 2020 signed by Jokowi on Tuesday, Mar 31, 2020.

The requirements on implementing PSBB by local governments are set forth in Minister of Health's Regulation (Permenkes) No. 9 of 2020 on PSBB guidelines in the context of accelerating the response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The health minister's regulation stipulates that the PSBB applications submitted by local governments should be accompanied by data on the number of confirmed cases and maps of distribution, among other things.

Furthermore, the regional governments must furnish comprehensive information on preparations made for food assistance to be offered to those from the low-income group, health facilities and infrastructure, budgeting and social safety nets, and security aspects.

Until this Monday, Jakarta, South Tangerang, Tangerang City and Tangerang District in Banten Province, Bogor District, Bogor City, Depok City, Bekasi City and Bekasi District in West Java Province, and Pekanbaru City in Riau Province have yet to receive the Task Force’s approval over their request for implementing PSBB.