LAUSR

Implementing a lockdown or activity restriction to reduce the spread of COVID-19 cases is assumed to improve air quality in highly populated cities. The effect of lockdown on air quality is often quantified by comparing pre- and during-lockdown air quality parameters without considering confounding meteorological factors. We demonstrated that rainfall can explain changes in PM10 and PM2.5 parameters in the city of Jakarta, as reported by Anugerah et al. (2021). This letter shows that comparing air quality pre- and during lockdown is misleading. Variables affecting air quality such as meteorological variables should be taken into account. The air quality in Jakarta as measured by PM10 and PM2.5 did not change significantly during the lockdown period.