Local News

Italian Man Was Unable To Pay Fine For Not Wearing Mask In Denpasar Hundreds of foreign nationals leave Bali amid coronavirus outbreak Hundreds of foreign nationals leave Bali amid coronavirus outbreak

An Italian National was unable to pay a fine after getting caught by the authorities for not wearing a mask while driving a motorbike in Denpasar. Hundreds 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 governments, following flight cancelations across the globe governments, following flight cancelations across the globe During an operation that was conducted by Bali authorities in the Sidakarya area, Denpasar on Wednesday (23/6), an Italian national was sanctioned for not wearing a face mask during his activities in a public area. 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 Unfortunately, the Italian man was unable to pay a 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. USD 70 (IDR 1 million) fine as he wasn’t carrying Foreign missions in Indonesia have Foreign missions in Indonesia have enough cash that actively used social actively used social day. However, the authority from the Public Civil Service Officer proceeded legal action to enforce the regulation.media to assist their respective citizens. media to assist their respective citizens. The operation was initiated by the Bali provincial government in order to prevent Covid-19 transmissions from surgAs fewer flights become available As fewer flights become available ing in some regions on the island such as Denpasar and due to global travel due to global travel Badung. The Covid-19 Handling Task Force reported an inrestrictions, their restrictions, their crease in Covid-19 cases in Bali recently. Meanwhile the Head of North Kuta Police Department, AKP Putu Diah confirmed that most of the offenders who violated prevention protocols in North Kuta were the expats. efforts include 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, efforts include 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, “Despite the higher level of compliance in following the pretold Nusa Bali yesterday that between March 1 and 26, told Nusa Bali yesterday that between March 1 and 26, vention protocols, we still found multiple offenders during our operation in North Kuta, and most of them were the foreign nationals.” AKP Putu Diah said on Tuesday (22/6). She also reminds that Covid-19 vaccine does not guarantee that people are free from the virus transmission. nearly 254,000 foreign tourists have left the island. However, the same period also recorded over 169,000 foreign tourists arriving in Bali, he added. Travelers from Australia, Russia and the United States topped the list of visitors. nearly 254,000 foreign tourists have left the island. However, the same period also recorded over 169,000 foreign tourists arriving in Bali, he added. Travelers from Australia, Russia and the United States topped the list of visitors. “We also want to educate the people that vaccinated resiLast week, American and Australian citizens in Indonesia were Last week, American and Australian citizens in Indonesia were dents could still transmit the virus to other people, so we will not tolerate any disobedience.” AKP Putu concluded. (thebalisun.com 26/06/2021) ordered to leave the country amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, wherein officials also cited evidence of Indonesia’s current medical capacity, among other things, to urge ordered to leave the country amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, wherein officials also cited evidence of Indonesia’s 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)

Six dead, several missing in Bali ferry accident

At least six people died and several more are missing after a passenger ferry sank off the coast of Bali, Indonesian authorities said on Tuesday (June 29), in the latest maritime accident to hit the archipelago. No Large-Scale Social Restrictions policy for Bali just Hundreds of Indonesian crew members flying The KMP Yunicee had 53 passengers yet, provincial government says in from Italy skip quarantine after testing negative for COVID-19 and crew aboard on a trip from East Java to the holiday island when the accident happened as the ferry tried to dock, authorities said. 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)

Some 44 people were rescued as the vessel sank while another six died in the accident, with three more missing, Speaking to Kumpthey said. aran yesterday, reThe cause of the accident was not immediately clear. gional secretary of the Bali adminis“At the moment we are focusing on rescue and evacuation tration, Dewa - that’s our main priority,” transport ministry spokesman Made Indra, said Adita Irawati told broadcaster Metro TV. that the provincial government is open to implementing PSBB, should risks of Marine accidents are common in Indonesia, an archipelathe novel coronavirus on the island continue to escalate and go of more than 17,000 islands, where many use ferries require a stricter approach. and other boats to travel despite poor safety standards. (straitstimes.com 30/06/2021) “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 of course we haven’t,” Indra said.

Indonesia Allows Use of the Sinovac Vaccine

on Children PSBB is designed to limit mobility within a region,essentially imposing the same social distancing measures that have President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo announced that Indonealready been seen in parts of Indonesia affected by the viral sia would start vaccinating children aged 12 to 17 years against Covid-19 using Coronavac, a vaccine made by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech after disease, though this includes additional measures and stricter enforcement. Indonesia’s drug supervisory authority greenlight its use on children. The policy includes shuttering of all businesses and services except those deemed essential, and also banning appBPOM [the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency] gave the green light after reviewing clinical trials phase I and II rebased motorcycle taxis from picking up passengers, meaning they are only allowed to transport goods and deliver sult, which shows no fever among the studies subjects of food to customers. 12-17 years old after receiving the vaccine. The agency said that a 30 percent mortality rate among 10 to 18 years The official implementation requires regional governments old Covid-19 patients also contributed to its latest recomto submit relevant data and reports regarding COVID-19 mendation. spread in their area to the Health Ministry, among other things, which will assess them and decide on whether or not Children under 18 years now account for one in eight Coto grant approval. The process has been criticized for being vid-19 cases in Indonesia, according to data collected overly bureaucratic. by the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) said last week. Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, which has the highest number Dwi Oktavia, the head of the disease prevention and control division at Jakarta’s provincial health department, called for parents to be more protective of their children. of confirmed COVID-19 cases, is set to become the country’s first region to officially enforce PSBB. As of this afternoon, the city reports 1,395 confirmed cases of the “It is imperative for parents to take care of their children coronavirus, including 133 deaths and 69 recoveries. more strictly and avoid leaving the house with them. Just do activities at home with your children,” Dwi said. (jakartaglobe.id 30/06/2021) 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 coronavirusNo more GeNose, as only PCR test results accepted for air travellers visiting Bali

Negative results from PCR swab tests are now the only JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits by JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits acceptable document for air travelers visiting Bali, Goverforeign 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,” 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 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 temporarily be banned,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters after a virtual ministers’ meeting with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday (March 31). nor Wayan Koster announced today, with other not-soreliable COVID-19 test methods believed to have contributed to the infected slipping through the cracks and into the island. “So we are tightening restrictions at Bali’s entry points, [those] traveling with air transportation must use PCRas 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 based tests. They can no longer use GeNose,” Koster said today. 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 Results from GeNose tests are no longer acceptable for centres of the pandemic have shifted to the United States and Eulimit mobility among its citizens within the country, but threats those traveling by land or sea either, Koster added, rope. of coronavirus spread also come from overseas. Mr Joko though rapid antigen swab tests are still accepted for 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 coronatravelers going by these modes of transport. In April, Bali officials started allowing all travelers to present negative results from the locally developed GeNose know with e-mail alerts. “Practically all nations have put in place limits virus crisis, accounting for nearly half of the 1,414 confirmed COVID-19 test to enter the province. At the time, public on the flow of travellers with varying (degree of) strictness dependcases. There are 122 deaths from Covid-19, the disease health experts raised concerns about GeNose’s accuracy, ing on the respective situation and condition in each country,” Ms caused by the coronavirus, in Indonesia so far, the highest in and said it shouldn’t be used so widely. Retno said. South-east Asia. Stay in the know with e-mail alerts. “Practically 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. Along with the newly announced traveling requirements, all negative swab test results must also come with a QR code to prevent fake documentation, Koster said. 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 IndoneTheir 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 “Because there have been many fake [and] paid documentation. So they have the results but they have never gone through a swab test,” he said. sians living and working in Malaysia exceeds 1 million. And there are 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 11,838 Indonesian crews working for 80 cruise ships, as per data gathered so far,” Ms Retno added. The new requirements are applicable starting today, though officials are likely to implement a transition period for a few days before making it completely mandatory. The governor said Bali has seen an increase in domestic travelers in the last few weeks, averaging between 8,000 and 9,000 people coming in via air transport, while around 10,000 people pass through Gilimanuk Port daily. After about a month of reporting less than 100 daily cases, Bali’s daily count rose to triple digits on June 19 and has been climbing up since. Indonesia is battling its fiercest coronavirus outbreak yet, setting a new daily record just yesterday with over 21,000 cases. (coconuts.co 29/06/2021) the suspects later sold online to other parts of the country. The suspects reportedly use the money for online gambling and to fulfill their daily needs, and are both ex-convicts for similar crimes. Ariawan said they have been charged with assault and theft under Indonesia’s criminal code (KUHP), and face a maximum of 12 years in prison each. (coconuts.co 29/06/2021) Uno said he wanted Bali’s daily coronavirus infections to fall to 30 or 40 per day before reopening. The true extent of Bali’s infections is masked by its low testing rates, which stand at 15 per cent of the minimum recommended by the World Health Organization, according to data released by the global health body. Indonesia’s government has prioritised Bali for vaccinations, and was seeing good early results as most people infected with coronavirus showed only mild symptoms, Uno said. While bed occupancy rates were approaching 100 per cent in many parts of the neighbouring, densely populated island of Java, he said the rate was below 50 per cent in Bali. About 71 per cent of Balinese had received a first vaccine dose, and the target of full vaccination for 70 per cent of its population could be achieved by the end of July, Uno said. Domestic travellers to Bali will now be required to have a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test before entering, a measure to insulate the island from the pandemic. As well as traditional tourists, Bali hopes to attract ‘digital nomads’ - international entrepreneurs operating Internet-based companies. They will be granted five-year visas under the proposed scheme. “If they earn income within Indonesia they will be taxed but if it’s solely from overseas there will be zero tax,” Uno said. (channelnewsasia.com 29/06/2021)

Serial thieves who preyed on Bali’s foreign tourists arrested

Two robbers who police say targeted foreign tourists have been arrested in Bali’s Gianyar regency. The suspects admitted to 14 counts of robbery in the last three months. “They are specialists in snatching tourists’ mobile phones, waiting and stalking until their targets are off guard while using their phones to check Google Maps. That’s when they would snatch [the phone] from their victims,” I Made Ariawan P, who heads the Sukawati precinct, said in a statement. Police said one of the incidents occurred as recently as June 15 and had involved a Russian tourist. In a motorbike, the suspects drove close to the victim and snatched their phone away, causing the tourist to fall from their vehicle. A police officer was near the scene at the time and managed to apprehend one of the two suspects. The other suspect was apprehended later at another location. The suspects confessed to 14 different robberies in the past three months, eight of which were carried out on Jalan Sunset Road, Kuta, while the rest were carried out in Sukawati. Most of their victims had an iPhone, which

Bali reopening to foreign tourists delayed as COVID-19 surges

Indonesia’s government will wait until COVID-19 cases fall significantly before opening Bali to foreign tourists, the country’s tourism minister said in an interview. The coronavirus pandemic has devastated the economy of Bali, for decades a magnet for holidaymakers thanks to its spectacular beaches, vibrant nightlife and distinctive Hindu culture. “We were targeting end of July, beginning of August, but we just have to be mindful of where we are in this recent spike (in coronavirus cases),” Indonesia’s Minister for Tourism and the Cultural Economy, Sandiaga Uno, told Reuters in an interview on Monday (Jun 28). “We will be waiting for the situation to be more conducive.” Coronavirus infections have surged across Indonesia in recent weeks, including in Bali, where there has been a fourfold rise in the past month, albeit from a low base, to about 200 cases per day, according to official data.

11,838 Indonesian crews working for 80 cruise ships, as per data gathered so far,” Ms Retno added. She 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 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, which would stop flows of people going in and out. (straitstimes.com 01/04/2020) Local 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. In 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.

Bali plans to hold Nyepi-like observance to curb COVID-19 spread

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. The council’s chief, Ida Panglingsir Agung Putra Sukahet, told Tribun yesterday that nothing has been decided for the time being, as authorities would need to hold a meeting first. “We will decide on April 8. If it’s going to happen we will issue an official circular from the traditional village council,” Agung Putra was quoted as saying. The observance, locally referred to as sipeng, will only mandate that people stay at home for three consecutive days and 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. 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

Thousands of workers in Bali on unpaid leave, hundreds more laid off

“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. “Right now, with the hotels empty, of course workers will burden the operational cost. That’s why they have instructed them to stay home. However, we do hope they won’t be laying off [these workers],” I Made Badra, who heads the Tourism Agency in Badung, told Tribun.

Bali hotels roll out cheap promos or shut to survive coronavirus 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)

She 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 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 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 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)

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, which would stop flows of people going in and out. 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 existing laws – so that it could spend more to deploy cash, especially to the poorest population in the country. This exemption would apply for three years, before a normal threshold of 3 per cent would be reinstalled for 2023 annual budget 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 said. President Joko said on Monday that over the past eight days alone, 876 buses had transported about 14,000 people in Greater Jakarta back to their home towns, mostly in West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta and East Java provinces. Others had taken the trains and ships home, he added. These are mostly daily-rated workers such as push-cart food sellers, in what is termed the informal sector of the economy. (straitstimes.com 01/04/2020)

Bali’s The Nusa Dua improves safety measures amid pandemic

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 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 March 26, the occupancy rate at The Nusa Dua had dropped 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 people entering the island. (thejakartapost.com 01/04/2020)

Denpasar mayor urges city residents to stay at home amid coronavirus outbreak

The Mayor of Denpasar yesterday urged the city’s residents to refrain from returning to their hometowns and stay at home 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. “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.