In response to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases across Indonesia, including Bali, Angkasa Pura 1 (AP1), the operator of Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, has increased its vigilance.
AP1 General Manager Handy Heryudhitiawan highlighted the continued coordination with all stakeholders, especially the Port Health Office (KKP), to increase awareness and mitigation efforts against the virus during a Media Gathering event on Thursday, December 14 2023.
Heryudhitiawan noted that the KKP is actively conducting checks in both departure and arrival areas using body temperature detection equipment, including five thermal scanner units, to identify passengers showing symptoms. When asked about the possible reinstatement of the COVID-19 Health Protocols (Prokes) at the airport for passengers and employees, Heryudhitiawan stated that AP1 is in line with the government’s measures to preventively tackle COVID-19 and is awaiting specific legal guidelines for smooth implementation.
Currently, AP1 is in coordination and awaiting further regulations. This approach is in line with the early mitigation strategies implemented by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the airport, including the ongoing encouraging mask use among service users. Heryudhitiawan insisted travelers must consider their health and adhere to health protocols to ensure safe and healthy travel.
Furthermore, Made Rentin, the head of Bali’s Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), stated that there are no specific rules for domestic and international travelers regarding the coronavirus ahead of the Christmas holidays. However, the Ministry of Health circular number: HK.02.02/C/4815/2023 emphasizes increased vigilance through measures such as vaccination, monitoring the situation, verifying the vaccination status of travelers, strict surveillance and improved communication with the public.
This update comes as COVID-19 cases have increased in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. The government is urging regional leaders to increase their vigilance in response to this development.
60 cases of Covid-19 found in Bali in the last 12 days
I Nyoman Gede Anom, head of health care in Bali province, did so reported that Bali witnessed 60 new positive cases of COVID-19 between December 1 and 12, 2023. According to Anom, these cases were identified among patients seeking medical care at hospitals across the province.
“There are patients who go to the hospital for treatment, there are also patients who have to undergo surgery. “So when I went for treatment, there were symptoms of cough and cold, so a PCR was done and there were several positive ones,” Anom said during an interview on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
