Arif Rahman AS

West Sumatra has had physical restrictions in place since April 22 to contain the spread of the coronavirus. But the policy seems to have had little effect on those living in the coastal city of Pariaman.

Many residents in the city have continued to conduct their activities as usual, even though West Sumatra recorded 626 COVID-19 cases and 27 deaths as of Sunday.

Many casually go outside without wearing masks and disregard physical distancing. During Ramadan, food stalls were swarmed by people who bought snacks to break the fast.

Some mosques, including Al-Abrar Cubadak Air Mosque, held congregational Idul Fitri prayers despite the central government’s ban. Prayers at Al-Abrar Mosque went on just like any other year. Many of the attendees didn’t wear masks and shook hands with each other after the prayers ended. [yps]