The Jakarta administration will reduce the number of mass gatherings as a precaution after two residents of Depok, West Java – located on the outskirts of the capital city – tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), marking the country’s first confirmed cases.

Governor Anies Baswedan said on Monday his administration would suspend the issuance of new permits for mass gatherings.

"The provincial administration won't issue any new permits for events that will gather people in large numbers. The permits that have already been issued will be reviewed," he told reporters at City Hall on Monday.

Read also: Jakarta steps up efforts to tackle COVID-19 following two confirmed cases

Jakarta is scheduled to hold several large events this month. Pop culture festival Head in the Clouds Jakarta, initiated by Asian-American label 88rising and scheduled for Saturday, announced its postponement following the news.

Anies also called on the public to avoid visiting places where cases of infection cases were reported.

Officials announced Monday that a 64-year-old woman and her 31-year-old daughter tested positive for COVID-19 after the daughter was in contact with a Japanese citizen at a club in Jakarta on Feb. 14. The Japanese citizen tested positive for COVID-19 in Malaysia on Feb. 27.

The two patients are currently being treated in isolation at the city's referral hospital for the virus, the Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital (RSPI Sulianti Suroso).

Read also: Anies issues decree on increasing Jakarta's COVID-19 alertness level

They were previously admitted to Mitra Keluarga Hospital in Depok on Feb. 27. The Depok administration sent a circular to about 70 medical workers of the private hospital who may have come into contact with one of the patients, ordering them to limit their movements and avoid crowded areas.

The Health Ministry said it tracked the movements of the two patients and found at least 48 people had come into contact with them.

The Jakarta Archdiocese issued a statement on Monday suggesting churchgoers suffering from respiratory illnesses, such as cough and breathing difficulties, to stay at home and consult with their doctors.

It also suggested that churchgoers bring their own hand sanitizers and allowed them not to hold hands for the sign of peace ritual. They were also given permission to bring their own crosses for the Good Friday service ahead of Easter. (ars)