In response to a recent increase in COVID-19-related cases throughout Indonesia, including Bali’s I Gusti Airport, Angkasa Pura 1 has increased its vigilance.
AP1’s General Manager Handy Heryudhitiawan stressed the ongoing coordination with all stakeholder, especially the Port Health Office, to enhance awareness against the virus and mitigate efforts during a Media Gathering on Thursday, 12 December 2023.
Heryudhitiawan stated that the KKP conducts checks at departure and arrival areas, using body temperature detector devices, including thermal scanner units to identify passengers displaying symptoms. Heryudhitiawan responded to a question about the reinstatement of COVID-19 Health Protocols (Prokes) for airport workers and passengers. She said that the KKP is actively conducting checks at both departure and arrival areas using body temperature detection devices, including five thermal scanner units.
AP1 has been notified and is awaiting regulations. This approach is in line with the early mitigation strategies that were implemented at the airport by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, which include the encouragement of mask use among service users. Heryudhitiawan encouraged travelers to take care of their health, and to adhere to health protocols in order to travel safely and healthily.
Made Rentin, Head of Bali’s Regional Disaster Management Agency, (BPBD), said that there were no rules specific for domestic or international travelers regarding the coronavirus in advance of the holidays. The Ministry of Health Circular Number HK.02.02/C/4815/2023, however, emphasizes increased vigilance by measures such as vaccinations, situation monitoring and verifying the vaccination status of travellers, strict supervision and improved public education communication.
The COVID-19 cases have been increasing in Indonesia, as well as other Southeast Asian nations, such Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. In response to this, the government has urged regional leaders to increase their vigilance.
In the last 12 months, 60 Covid-19 cases have been found in Bali.
I Nyoman Anom Gede, the head of Bali Province Health Service has reported Bali experienced 60 new positive COVID-19 cases between December 1, 2023 and December 12, 2020. Anom said that these cases were found among patients who sought medical attention in hospitals throughout the province.
“There are some patients who go to the hospital for treatment and others who have surgery. When I was treated for a cold and cough, PCR tests were done, and several of them were positive,” said Anom in an interview on Wednesday, 13 December 2023.
