In response to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases across Indonesia, including Bali, Angkasa Pura 1 (AP1), the operator of Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, has heightened its vigilance.
AP1’s General Manager, Handy Heryudhitiawan, emphasized ongoing coordination with all stakeholders, particularly the Port Health Office (KKP), to enhance 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 at both departure and arrival areas using body temperature detection devices, including five thermal scanner units, to identify passengers displaying symptoms. When asked about the potential reinstatement of COVID-19 health protocols (Prokes) at the airport for passengers and workers, Heryudhitiawan stated that AP1 is aligned with the government’s measures to preemptively tackle COVID-19 and is awaiting specific regulatory guidance for smooth implementation.
Currently, AP1 is in coordination and awaiting further regulations. This approach aligns with early mitigation strategies implemented by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the airport, including the continued encouragement of mask usage among service users. Heryudhitiawan urged travelers to be mindful of their health and adhere to health protocols to ensure safe and healthy travel.
In addition, Made Rentin, the Head of Bali’s Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), stated that there are no specific rules for domestic and international travelers concerning the coronavirus ahead of the Christmas holidays. However, the Ministry of Health’s Circular Number: HK.02.02/C/4815/2023 emphasizes increased vigilance through measures such as vaccination, situation monitoring, verifying the vaccination status of travelers, strict supervision, and enhanced public education communication.
This update comes as COVID-19 cases in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, have seen a rise. The government is urging regional leaders to step up vigilance in response to this development.
60 Covid-19 cases found in Bali in last 12 days
I Nyoman Gede Anom, the Head of Bali Province Health Service, has reported that Bali witnessed 60 new positive cases of COVID-19 between December 1 and December 12, 2023. According to Anom, these cases were identified among patients seeking medical attention at hospitals across the province.
“There are patients who are going to hospital for treatment, there are also those who are going to have surgery. “So, when I went for treatment there were symptoms of cough and cold, so PCR was done and there were several positive ones,” said Anom when interviewed, Wednesday 13 December 2023.