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12 dolphins rescued, 1 died after getting stranded on Bali beach Hundreds of foreign nationals leave Bali amid coronavirus outbreak Hundreds of foreign nationals leave Bali amid coronavirus outbreak

Twelve dolphins that were stranded on Batu Tumpeng Beach in Bali’s Klungkung regency yesterday have been released back into the ocean while one has died, authorities said, folHundreds of foreigners departed Bali over the weekend, some with chartered flights organized by their respective Hundreds of foreigners departed Bali over the weekend, some with chartered flights organized by their respective lowing evacuation efforts which went late into the night. governments, following flight cancelations across the globe governments, following flight cancelations across the globe According to Putu Widiada, an official from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in Klungkung, the dolphins were first sighted yesterday afternoon. amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The Ngurah Rai Immigration office said in a statement that over 200 foreigners, consisting mostly of German nationals, boarded a chartered German Airlines flight on Saturday headed for Frankfurt, while over 400 passengers consisting of mostly French amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The Ngurah Rai Immigration office said in a statement that over 200 foreigners, consisting mostly of German nationals, boarded a chartered German Airlines flight on Saturday headed for Frankfurt, while over 400 passengers consisting of mostly French nationals headed to France with Qatar Airways on the same nationals headed to France with Qatar Airways on the same Authorities said they might have gotten stranded day. In addition, Austrian Airlines also reportedly carried over 200 passengers back to Austria. day. In addition, Austrian Airlines also reportedly carried over 200 passengers back to Austria. because of tidal waves, adding that some were Foreign missions in Indonesia have Foreign missions in Indonesia have found on the sand actively used social actively used social while others were stranded among the rocks near the shore. media to assist their media to assist their “By midnight, all the dolphins were released [to the ocean],” Widiada said today. respective citizens. As fewer flights become available respective citizens. As fewer flights become available However, one of the stranded dolphins was found dead on due to global travel due to global travel Friday morning with severe injuries, and was then evacuated restrictions, their restrictions, their for a necropsy to determine the cause of death.efforts include efforts include The rescue mission reportedly involved not only authorities, but also local organizations including Westerlaken Foundation and the Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN). A video assisting those seeking to return home to find available flights. I Putu Surya Dharma, a spokesperson from the regional office for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, assisting those seeking to return home to find available flights. I Putu Surya Dharma, a spokesperson from the regional office for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, taken last night showed glimpses of the evacuation effort as told Nusa Bali yesterday that between March 1 and 26, told Nusa Bali yesterday that between March 1 and 26, it was underway. (coconuts.co 21/05/2021) nearly 254,000 foreign tourists have left the island. However, nearly 254,000 foreign tourists have left the island. However, the same period also recorded over 169,000 foreign tourists the same period also recorded over 169,000 foreign tourists Russian National Arrested For Attempting To Smuggle Drugs Into Bali arriving in Bali, he added. Travelers from Australia, Russia and the United States topped the list of visitors. arriving in Bali, he added. Travelers from Australia, Russia and the United States topped the list of visitors. Last week, American and Australian citizens in Indonesia were Last week, American and Australian citizens in Indonesia were ordered to leave the country amid the novel coronavirus ordered to leave the country amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, wherein officials also cited evidence of Indonesia’s outbreak, wherein officials also cited evidence of Indonesia’s current medical capacity, among other things, to urge current medical capacity, among other things, to urge immediate action. Some foreigners have decided to extend immediate action. Some foreigners have decided to extend their stay in Indonesia, it seems, as evident by packed their stay in Indonesia, it seems, as evident by packed immigration offices across Bali last week. Indonesia’s immigration offices across Bali last week. Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has swiftly responded to Directorate General of Immigration has swiftly responded to the spike in visa extension requests, and eligible foreigners the spike in visa extension requests, and eligible foreigners unable to return to their home countries due to COVID-19 unable to return to their home countries due to COVID-19 are being given an automatic extension for their stay are being given an automatic extension for their stay permits. (coconuts.com 01/04/2020) permits. (coconuts.com 01/04/2020)

A 32-year-old man with initials (AG) from Russia has been arrested by Bali authorities after attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into Bali. Authorities from the National Narcotics Agency (BNNP), Custom Officers and Officials from Bali Ngurah Rai Airport have managed to intercept a shipment of DMT (dimethyltryptamine). The Head of Bali BNNP, Brigjen Pol Gede Sugianyar Dwi Putra has confirmed that the suspect has been arrested at his home in Jimbaran. “On Wednesday (19/5) around 10:50am the suspect was arrested along with a package of DMT weighing 194 gram from his place that is located in South Kuta. ” Brigjen Pol Sugianyar said during a press conference on Friday (28/5). Sugianyar also explained some of the dangers of consuming DMT. No official statements No Large-Scale Social Restrictions policy for Bali just yet, provincial government says Hundreds of Indonesian crew members flying in from Italy skip quarantine after testing negative for COVID-19 have been made yet whether the drugs were intended for private use or for trafficking in the Bali area. However, AG could possibly face 12 years imprisonment for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into Bali. The Bali provincial government says it has yet to consider imposing Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) policy, which requires approval from the central government, to curb the spread of COVID-19 here, claiming that it has already implemented similar steps to an extent. Over 300 Indonesian crew members from the MSC Splendida cruise ship reportedly did not undergo quarantine upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport despite having flown in from Genoa, Italy on Monday night. Officials said all of them tested negative for the novel coronavirus, after rapid tests that were conducted at the airport. “As soon as they arrived they were checked by officers from the Port Health Authority and followed with rapid tests. The results were negative and [they] didn’t have to be quarantined,” Ida Bagus Ngurah Arda, who heads Bali province’s Manpower Agency, told Kompas yesterday. There were 316 Indonesian crew members in total who boarded a flight with Qatar Airlines from Genoa to Denpasar, via Doha. As reported by Kompas, the crew members had also undergone a health examination while in Genoa, after which they were declared healthy and permitted to return to Indonesia. Italy is one of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with over 105,000 confirmed cases and more than 12,000 deaths. Indonesians coming from COVID-19 hot zones, which includes Italy, are subject to health screening by the Port Health Authority upon arrival. Should authorities find that they are exhibiting early symptoms of COVID-19, they will be observed at a government facility for two weeks. On the other hand, those who do not exhibit early symptoms are advised to self-quarantine for the same period. Yesterday, Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy urged Indonesians overseas to stay in the countries in which they are living. The government said there are no plans to arrange their repatriation, but that they will be provided with supplies. Indonesia is currently anticipating mass arrivals of Indonesians abroad, particularly those seeking to leave Malaysia as it enforces its movement control order (MCO), as well as crew members of international cruise ships looking to return home as some cruise lines halt their operations. For the latter, their return will likely be through Ngurah Rai, Muhadjir said, adding that there are about 11,000 Indonesian crew members abroad. As of yesterday afternoon, Bali has recorded 19 positive COVID-19 cases. This includes two deaths of foreign nationals and four recoveries. (coconuts.com 01/04/2020)

Prior to the arrest, an authority at the Bali Ngurah Rai Airport Speaking to Kumpbecame suspicious when they scanned a package that was aran yesterday, reallegedly ordered by AG and was delivered by a man from gional secretary of Ukraine. After examining the package with an X-Ray, they the Bali adminissent it off to the Bali Police Department for a forensic investigation. That is when they confirmed that the package contained the class 1 narcotic, DMT.(thebalisun.com 18/05/2021) tration, Dewa Made Indra, said that the provincial government is open to implementing PSBB, should risks of 3 Farmers Arrested For Skimming ATM Machines the novel coronavirus on the island continue to escalate and In Balirequire a stricter approach. Three men from Dompu, West Nusa Tenggara have been arrested and could possibly face 2.5 years imprisonment for skimming several different ATM’s in Bali. “Here in Bali we are already enforcing strict limitations. Substantially we have preceded this PSBB policy, but formally and according to the [new] government regulation The Prosecutor from District Attorney, Made Dipa Umbara conof course we haven’t,” Indra said. firmed that the men who’ve been identified as Junaidin (aged 36), Alamsyah (aged 29) and Miska (26) were arrested and have attended their first virtual trial on Wednesday (26/5). “The men who previously worked as farmers in their hometown were proven guilty for skimming several ATM machines from differPSBB is designed to limit mobility within a region,essentially imposing the same social distancing measures that have already been seen in parts of Indonesia affected by the viral ent banks around Bali.” Umbara said on Wednesday (26/5). disease, though this includes additional measures and stricter enforcement. During the interrogation, the suspects admitted that they were told to execute these illegal activities by a man who has yet to be identified by police. “The mystery man gave them dozens of cards that were filled with the data from the banks, and then used them to withdraw cash from ATMs.” Umbara added. The policy includes shuttering of all businesses and services except those deemed essential, and also banning appbased motorcycle taxis from picking up passengers, meaning they are only allowed to transport goods and deliver They also admitted that they were paid USD 345 (IDR 5 million) food to customers. per person for each completed job. During the trial, the Prosecutor demanded the Judges to sentence the suspects with 2.5 years of imprisonment on top of a USD 3,450 (IDR 50 million) fine for each suspect. After hearing the demand from the Prosecutor, one of the suspects named Junaedi asked the Judges The official implementation requires regional governments to submit relevant data and reports regarding COVID-19 spread in their area to the Health Ministry, among other that was led by I Putu Sayoga for leniency towards their senthings, which will assess them and decide on whether or not tencing. to grant approval. The process has been criticized for being overly bureaucratic. Prior to the arrest, the suspects arrived in Denpasar on January 22nd 2021 after taking a bus ride from their hometown in Dompu. During their operation, the suspects have been staying at Oyo Hotel 2688 Guntur that is located on Jalan Gatsu Timur Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, which has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, is set to become the Number 22, Denpasar. As a result of their illegal activities, the country’s first region to officially enforce PSBB. As of this banks claimed that they have lost around USD 3,900 (IDR 56,5 afternoon, the city reports 1,395 confirmed cases of the million) from the incident. “This is very unusual, as most of the coronavirus, including 133 deaths and 69 recoveries. suspects who were arrested from similar cases were from Eastern Europe. An investigation to find the man behind these people is still underway.” Sayoga concluded. (thebalisun.com 30/05/2021) Bali, for its part, has so far reported 43 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 19 recoveries and two deaths of foreign nationals. (coconuts.com 07/04/2020)

Indonesia to temporarily ban all foreign arrivals, transits to curb further spread of coronavirus Indonesia to temporarily ban all foreign arrivals, transits to curb further spread of coronavirusGovernement to send civil servants to Bali to work from there

The Indonesian government is working on a plan to send JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits by JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits thousands of Jakarta-based civil servants to work reforeign nationals to the country to curb the further spread of the coronavirus. “President (Joko) sees that our current policy needs to be made stricter. We have decided that all visits and transits by foreign nationals to Indonesia will temporarily be banned,” by foreign nationals to the country to curb the further spread of the coronavirus. “President (Joko) sees that our current policy needs to be made stricter. We have decided that all visits and transits by foreign nationals to Indonesia will motely from Bali, in a bid to help the economy of the tourism-reliant island rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters after a virtual ministers’ meeting with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday (March 31). Exceptions to the ban include those with work permits as well temporarily be banned,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters after a virtual ministers’ meeting with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday (March 31). Up to 8,000 employees at seven ministries will likely be eligible for the program, which is being overseen by the office of the coordinating minister for maritime affairs and as diplomats, Ms Retno added, stressing that proper health protocols will still apply. President Joko said before the ministers’ meeting that Indonesia is stepping up measures to limit mobility among its Exceptions to the ban include those with work permits as well as diplomats, Ms Retno added, stressing that proper investment. They include workers at the energy ministry, the public works ministry and the transportation ministry. citizens within the country, but threats of coronavirus spread also health protocols will still apply. President Joko said before the come from overseas. Mr Joko pointed out specifically that the epiministers’ meeting that Indonesia is stepping up measures to “This is part of the government’s efforts to create decentres of the pandemic have shifted to the United States and Eulimit mobility among its citizens within the country, but threats mand so that hotels and restaurants in Bali can survive,” rope. of coronavirus spread also come from overseas. Mr Joko Odo Manuhutu, deputy for tourism and creative economy In Indonesia, Jakarta is the epicentre of the country’s coronavirus crisis, accounting for nearly half of the 1,414 confirmed cases. There are 122 deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in Indonesia so far, the highest in South-east Asia. Stay in the pointed out specifically that the epicentres of the pandemic have shifted to the United States and Europe. In Indonesia, Jakarta is the epicentre of the country’s coronaat the minister’s office, told reporters at the weekend. “In line with the health ministry’s guidelines, Bali’s vaccination rate is currently the highest and fastest [among Indonesia’s provinces]... to make sure that Bali is safe to know with e-mail alerts. “Practically all nations have put in place limits virus crisis, accounting for nearly half of the 1,414 confirmed visit.” on the flow of travellers with varying (degree of) strictness dependcases. There are 122 deaths from Covid-19, the disease ing on the respective situation and condition in each country,” Ms caused by the coronavirus, in Indonesia so far, the highest in Manuhutu said the government is aiming to inoculate 2.8 Retno said. South-east Asia. Stay in the know with e-mail alerts. “Practically million Bali residents aged 18 or older -- or over 60% of Their policies have also impacted Indonesians living overseas, many of whom have recently returned home or are preparing to head home. According to Ms Retno, the two largest groups of homebound all nations have put in place limits on the flow of travellers with varying (degree of) strictness depending on the respective situation and condition in each country,” Ms Retno said. the island’s population -- by July. Officials had earlier said they wanted to launch some kind of a “work from Bali” program that month. Indonesians are Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia as well as Indonesians working as crews on cruise ships. “The inflow traffic from these two groups has been far larger than normal,” Ms Retno said. “In terms of size, the number of Indonesians living and working in Malaysia exceeds 1 million. And there are Their policies have also impacted Indonesians living overseas, many of whom have recently returned home or are preparing to head home. According to Ms Retno, the two largest groups of homebound Indonesians are Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia as well as Indonesians working as crews on cruise ships. With 80% of its economy dependent on tourism and related sectors, Bali reported the deepest contractions among Indonesia’s 34 provinces in 2020 and in the first quarter of this year -- at 9.3% and 9.85%, respectively. Indonesia’s economy, meanwhile, shrank 2.07% and 0.74% in the two periods. “The inflow traffic from these two groups has been far larger than normal,” Ms Retno said. “In terms of size, the number of Indonesians living and working in Malaysia exceeds 1 million. And there are 11,838 Indonesian crews working for 80 cruise ships, as per data gathered so far,” Ms Retno added. 11,838 Indonesian crews working for 80 cruise ships, as per data from Jakarta, the epicentre of the country’s outbreak, return institutions and communities.” gathered so far,” Ms Retno added. home. The government is preparing regulations that would Most employees at government offices in Jakarta -- exmake it possible for Jakarta and other coronavirus red zones cept essential workers -- are still working on a 50:50 baShe said the government is implementing proper health protocols at airports, seaports, border check points on these returning countrymen. Mr Joko on Monday said Indonesia needs stronger measures to limit mobility after receiving reports that thousands of workers in to be put under an “area quarantine”, a term observers see as equivalent to a lockdown, which would stop flows of people going in and out. sis, under which they regularly switch between working at the office and at home. Jakarta and its surrounding areas have returned to their home towns after losing most or all of their income amid the coronavirus outbreak. There have been concerns of a spread of infections as people from Jakarta, the epicentre of the country’s outbreak, return home. The government is preparing regulations that would make it possible for Jakarta and other coronavirus red zones to be put under an “area quarantine”, a term observers see as equivalent to a lockdown, Coordinating maritime affairs and investment minister Luhut Pandjaitan said in a video message on Tuesday that the government would take the decision within this week, stressing however Indonesia would use the term lockdown. Indonesia would also issue a presidential emergency decree that would allow the government to have an annual budget deficit of larger than 3 per cent – currently not allowed by the Vinsensius Jemadu, director for tourism marketing at the tourism and creative economy ministry, said among the plans is to get half of those having their work-from-home shift to do it from Bali -- including administrative work and virtual meetings. “We can set a quota for each ministry or state institution. The civil servants will be able to work from Bali in turns until the end of the year,” he said. which would stop flows of people going in and out. (straitstimes.com 01/04/2020) existing laws – so that it could spend more to deploy cash, especially to the poorest population in the country. This Jemadu added the government is still calculating the budBali plans to hold Nyepi-like observance to curb COVID-19 spreadexemption would apply for three years, before a normal threshold of 3 per cent would be reinstalled for 2023 annual get for the program, saying it will be “huge.” Accommodation alone is estimated to cost at least 3 million rupiah Bali province’s Majelis Desa Adat, or traditional village council, says there are plans to hold a Nyepi-like observance later this month as part of an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 on the island, with the final decision set to be announced tomorrow. Manuhutu said many Bali hotels have been reporting just around 8%-10% occupancy rates along the pandemic, forcing them to furlough their workers. Assigning some civil servants to work from Bali is expected to encourage workers from the private sector to follow suit, thus helpbudget year. “(Finance Minister) Sri Mulyani is currently making her calculation. What if we give the bottom 40 per cent or 20 per cent direct cash handouts. It is being thoroughly calculated,” Mr Luhut ($209) per month for each employee. They will be concentrated in the Nusa Dua resort area, which employs more that 7,500 workers directly and 10,000 more indirectly -- around 40% have received their vaccine shots. She said the government is implementing proper health ing Bali fill its 140,000 or so hotel rooms. said. President Joko said on Monday that over the past eight Bali welcomed just around 350 foreign arrivals between The council’s chief, Ida Panglingsir Agung Putra Sukahet, told protocols at airports, seaports, border check points on these “We’re hoping that our presence in Bali will create multi- days alone, 876 buses had transported about 14,000 people January and April, down from 1.2 million in the same peTribun yesterday that nothing has been decided for the time returning countrymen. Mr Joko on Monday said Indonesia plier effects,” Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno said on in Greater Jakarta back to their home towns, mostly in West riod of last year, according to data from state airport opbeing, as authorities would need to hold a meeting first. needs stronger measures to limit mobility after receiving Monday. “We’re hoping [it] will trigger a herd mentality, Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta and East Java provinces. erator Angkasa Pura. This includes a plan for long-term reports that thousands of workers in Jakarta and its surrounding followed by other sectors -- the private sector, academic visa arrangements. (asia.nikkei.com 30/05/2021) “We will decide on April 8. If it’s going to happen we will issue areas have returned to their home towns after losing most or Others had taken the trains and ships home, he added. These Bali Expat Found Lifeless an official circular from the traditional village council,” Agung all of their income amid the coronavirus outbreak. are mostly daily-rated workers such as push-cart food sellers, Putra was quoted as saying. in what is termed the informal sector of the economy. A 42-year-old woman named Mary Castro. from the UnitThere have been concerns of a spread of infections as people (straitstimes.com 01/04/2020) ed States has been found lifeless in a villa on Friday The observance, locally referred to as sipeng, will only man(28/5). date that people stay at home for three consecutive days and Bali’s The Nusa Dua improves safety measures amid pandemic The Head of the Kuta Police Department, Kompol I Nyoman Gatra confirmed that the expat woman was found dead in a villa that is located on Jalan Camplung Tanduk Gang Bunga Kecil, Seminyak. “That woman was found lifeless on Friday morning by one of her friends named Paul when he attempted to wake her up.” Kompol Gatra said on Saturday (29/5). will not follow the exact same rules as the Balinese Day of Silence, according to reports. Ordinarily, Nyepi encourages self-reflection by prohibiting activities such as lighting a fire, working, and traveling or going out, among others. The planned sipeng, however, would only prohibit people from leaving their homes. State-owned enterprise Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is implementing safety measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 at tourist destination The Nusa Dua in Bali. I Gusti Ngurah Ardita, managing director of The Nusa Dua, told Antara news agency that a letter had been sent to tenants, urging them to provide hand sanitizers and important to inform the general public way ahead of the actual dates. So it doesn’t seem so abrupt.” “So will there be provision of food from the government?” “Those who have plenty of money from monthly salary have it good as they can simply stock up, but what can we do when we depend on daily income. If it were to happen for four days According to information from a witness named Putu Suciawan, Mary and Putu went to the bar and drank liquor together earlier on Friday (28/5) around 2:00am. Putu explained that Mary was allegedly intoxicated after consuming a large amount of alcohol that night. Once they were finished drinking, Putu took Mary to her villa that is located in Seminyak. After a few hours, one of Mary’s friends named Paul became suspicious when Mary didn’t respond as he tried to wake her up around 10:30am. “When her friend named Paul noticed something wrong when he tried to wake her up, he asked the villa’s staff to call the doctor to come to the villa. And by the time the doctor arrived, they conLocal authorities in Bali are reporting hundreds of workers having lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 outbreak and its subsequent impacts on the tourism industry, while thousands more have been instructed to stay at home without pay. “Everywhere [in Indonesia] is pretty much facing the same condition. We don’t know when this will end,” Ida Bagus Oka Dirga, who heads the agency, said. He added that in Badung, more than 6,000 workers from 78 companies have been instructed to stay at home and given between 50 to 70 percent of their minimum salary. Thousands of workers in Bali on unpaid leave, hundreds more laid off While official details have not been announced, news of sipeng quickly made its rounds on social media, showcasing divided opinions among local residents. Prompted by concerns over COVID-19, som e are supportive of the initiative, while others question how people are expected to meet their daily needs should the observance take place. “I agree, but it’s please think it further wisely.” As of yesterday afternoon, Bali confirmed eight additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the island’s total to 43. This includes 19 recoveries and two deaths of foreign nationals. (Coconuts.com 07/04/2020) regularly spray disinfectant in public areas, including toilets, pray rooms, ATM booths and shuttle buses. “This is in accordance with a circular letter from Bali’s provincial administration on improving hygiene and sanitation to combat the virus,” he said. Tenants at The Nusa Dua are also required to check the temperature of all staff and visitors and to routinely clean their sites. A crisis center has been set up for guests, with services that include delivery to the nearest hospital and routine check-ups with health agencies. Ardita added that The Nusa Dua’s employees have been working from home from March 16, except for security and cleaning staff, who have been equipped with protective gear and follow physical distancing measures while on duty. As of 30.45 percent since February. “We hope the pandemic will end soon and tourism in Bali can improve,” said Ardita. On Tuesday, Bali declared a state of emergency by imposing stricter measures on visitors in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 as cases continue to climb with local transmission detected. With the status, the resort island will tighten checks at entrance gates and enforce a 14-day self-quarantine for all firmed that Mary had already passed away.” Kompol Gatra added. According to the police investigation, Kompol Gatra assumed that the woman died due to health issues that she had prior to her death. “We found several different types of medicines inside her room, so we assumed that she died from a physical illness that she suffered as we found no injury from physical assault on her body.” Kompol Gatra concluded. (thebalisun.com 31/05/2021) Bali Governor Expects To Finish Covid-19 Vaccinations By June“Right now, with the hotels empty, of course workers will burden the operational cost. That’s why they have instructed them to stay March 26, the occupancy rate at The Nusa Dua had dropped people entering the island. (thejakartapost.com 01/04/2020) home. However, we do hope they won’t be laying off [these workers],” I Made Badra, who heads the Tourism Agency in Badung, told Denpasar mayor urges city residents to stay at home amid coronavirus outbreak dents in Bali, which means that we’ve achieved 45% of The Mayor of Denpasar yesterday urged the city’s residents to refrain from returning to their hometowns and stay at home Tribun. Bali hotels roll out cheap promos or shut to survive coronaour target to vaccinate 3 million people in the island.” Koster said. Bali Governor, I Wayan Koster has predicted finishing the Covid-19 vaccine distribution to 70% of Bali residents by June 2021. Koster claimed that Bali has become a province that will receive the biggest amount of Covid-19 vaccines in Indonesia as the central government has already provided 2.6 million doses of the vaccine to Bali. “We’ve already distributed Covid-19 vaccines to around 1.3 million of resiIn Denpasar, as many as 2,975 workers were told to stay at home without pay while another 53 workers were laid off, the city’s spokesman Gede Rai told Kompas, adding that the workers were from 37 different companies. “It’s because there is a lack of guests and hotels are not operating,” Gede Rai said. For the time being, authorities in Denpasar are reportedly planning a social protection strategy for these workers, including through Indonesian government’s pre-employment cards, which was launched last month. The cards, which aim to aid job seekers and unemployed workers, grant them access and funding to various trainings. The numbers are even higher in Badung regency, where some of the island’s most popular hotels and restaurants are located. An official from the regency’s Industry and Manpower Agency told Tribun yesterday that 198 workers have been laid off as of April 4, most of whom were employed in the tourism sector. instead, as part of an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Bali. “I am asking all residents living in Denpasar for the time being do not go anywhere, including to go to your hometown, stay at your respective homes [instead] to break the chain on COVID-19 spread,” , as quoted by state news agency Antara. Many of those who live in Denpasar hail from different parts of the island and even the country. With the social and physical distancing advisory in place and the option to return to their family homes might make sense financially, officials fear it might contribute to further spread of COVID-19. According to Denpasar government’s, there are currently 96 people under monitoring in the city, along with two patients under observation and two more who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Across Bali, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases stand at 10 as of yesterday afternoon, including two deaths of foreign nationals, while a total of 141 patients have been placed under observation, as per data from the provincial government. virus outbreak The Bali Hotel Association (BHA), whose members include general managers of over 100 four-star and five-star hotels and resorts in Bali, said that most accommodations and restaurants in Bali have opted to temporarily close for at least one month. “At this time, almost all hotels and restaurants in Bali are closed temporarily for one to two months, as we monitor the most up to date situation,” BHA chairman I Made Ricky Darmika Putra told state news agency Antara yesterday. Ricky also responded to circulating information that many hotels in Bali are up for sale, clarifying that those reports are false. In addition, he explained how hotels that are still open have less than 10 percent occupancy rates, while most restaurants have cut their operational hours short. Meanwhile, some other hotels are still seeking to attract potential customers, and are rolling out cheap promotions on long-term stays. One example is Lv8, a hotel located in Canggu, which offers a one-month stay fee starting from IDR8million (US$481). For perspective, the hotel’s normal daily rate ranges from IDR800K-1 million. (coconuts.com 07/04/2020) “Our success in breaking the chain of coronavirus spread requires discipline and cooperation from everyone, not only the government, but also the public in heeding the instructions and suggestions from officials,” Rai Mantra said. Last week, a nurse who tested positive for COVID-19 reportedly went home to Tabanan regency, prompting officials to trace her close contacts immediately. As he previously stated, Bali provincial government aims to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine to at least 70% of their residents to achieve herd immunity before the international travel corridor reopens in July 2021. “This vaccination program is one of our efforts to revive the tourism sector in the island from the crisis. Right now we’re focusing on distributing the vaccine through officials from each village across Bali.” Koster added. Meanwhile, the Spokesman of the Denpasar Covid-19 Handling Task Force, I Dewa Gede Rai said that despite the vaccination program in the Denpasar area, he warned people to keep complying with prevention protocols. The city government has received 19 new cases of Covid-19 with 30 recoveries and zero deaths as of Monday (24/5). “Despite the decreased number of Covid-19 cases post vaccination in Denpasar, people still need to be aware to prevent the cases from surging.” Gede Rai concluded. (thebalisun.com 26/05/2021)