Kupang: The East Flores Regency administration in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province has temporarily closed Larantuka Port to passenger ships in a bid to thwart the spread of coronavirus in the eastern region of Flores Island.
"The East Flores regency administration has decided to temporarily close Larantuka Port to passenger ships to prevent the further spread of covid-19," East Flores Deputy Regent Agustinus Payong Boli stated here on Friday, March 27, 2020.
The decision to close the port to passenger ships was in accordance with the instruction of Regent Antonius Gege Hadjon as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus through sea transportation.
Boli pointed out that the last passenger ship to have anchored at Larantuka Port was a Pelni ship KM Lambelu, carrying onboard 500 passengers on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. The ship has covered the route of Makassar (South Sulawesi)-Baubau (Southeast Sulawesi)-Maumere (East Nusa Tenggara).
All passengers, who disembarked, underwent health checkups conducted by local healthcare officers.
"After this last ship, the port was closed for other passenger ships," he stated, adding that the policy will be adjusted in line with the latest situation pertaining to the spread of covid-19.
In addition to closing Larantuka Port, the district had reduced the frequency of ferry crossings as well as inter-regency land routes.
"This is aimed at ensuring public safety in East Flores, as the covid-19 pandemic has spread irrepressibly," he emphasized.
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