President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) revealed that government will shortly assess any religious events involving masses or crowds congregating at one place at a time to contain the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

"We have to evaluate religious events involving several people," President Jokowi remarked during a limited meeting on the COVID-19 Task Force report at Istana Merdeka in Jakarta on Thursday.

The head of state highlighted the government's current national priority aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19.

Hence, Jokowi reiterated the significance of restricting the people's mobility and direct physical contact, intensifying information dissemination on social distancing, and reducing the likelihood of people congregating that can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

The president also encouraged all Indonesian religious activists to partake in supporting the fight against the COVID-19 contagion.

"I also encourage religious institutions and religious activists to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during religious activities," Jokowi stated.

Hence, the president highlighted the need to apply several policies, including learning, working, and praying from home, to thwart the spread of the virus.

"It can be applied effectively, but those going out to work should ensure maintaining a distance between themselves and the ones around," Jokowi emphasized. (ANTARA)