LAST week (5 Oct), the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, met the Indonesian Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SOE), Erick Thohir, at his office to discuss about the plan to open Bali to foreign tourists on October 14, 2021. This also refers to the results of discussions with several previous relevant ministries.
This opening applies to guests from countries that have a low risk of Covid-19 and the flights will be direct to Bali or there will be no transit.
Of course, the opening of the door to foreign tourists has been eagerly awaited for a long time. Hopefully, Bali tourism and its economy can recover.
The basic considerations of this opening plan refer to several facts in the field. For example: (1) the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in Bali Province has been getting better based on several indicators; (2) A decrease in daily cases to 2 digits and a cumulative recovery rate of 96 percent; (3) The mortality rate decreased from 2 digits to 1 digit per day; (4) Positive rate at number 1 and a drastic decrease in bed occupancy rate (BOR).
Travel conditions
Travelers must have been vaccinated twice and must take a PCR test on Day 3 before departure and fill out the EHAC application which is integrated with PeduliLindungi and Welovebali.
A PCR test will be held at Ngurah Rai International Airport and wait for one hour, and then travelers will be placed in a temporary hotel for 8 days and SWAB will be carried out again. If negative, the guests in question will be allowed to travel in Bali or change hotels.
In terms of accommodation, the quality of the hotels prepared will have the same facilities, have owned the CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability) certificate and are commonly used for foreign tourists.
Even though the term is ‘temporary hotel,’ it is possible that the travelers can permanently stay during a trip to Bali.
Health protocols in every hotel must be implemented strictly where there are officers stationed at all points according to the instructions and guidebooks.
It is hoped that tourist arrivals will not cause a spike in new cases, and everything can be handled properly, being careful not to cause new cases or a spike in new cases.
Meanwhile, SOE Minister, Erick Thohir, reminded that in the face of Covid-19 it cannot be 100 percent protected so discipline (in implementing health protocols) must be given priority.
Adapted from: https://www.baliprov.go.id/web/siaran-pers-pembukaan-pintu-wisatawan-mancanegara/
