Domestic travelers visiting Bali will now be required to present negative swab test results that come with a QR code to prevent fake documentation, as the province announces tighter restrictions to battle the ongoing national COVID-19 surge.
“Domestic travelers headed to Bali via air, land, and sea will have their [entry] requirements tightened,” Koster said during a meeting with other high-ranking officials in Denpasar last night.
The main points, as laid out in a statement issued today, cover several aspects, including increasing tracing, testing, and treatment, though more details are not specified. One notable change in the latest announcement is an updated requirement for domestic travelers visiting Bali, who are now obliged to provide negative results from either a PCR or antigen rapid test that must come with a QR code.
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It is not immediately clear if there are confirmed or suspected incidents of fake documentations or undetected coronavirus cases, though it is not unlikely. Previously, travelers visiting Bali can present negative results from three COVID-19 test options, namely PCR, antigen rapid, and the GeNose breathalyzer — the last of which has been heavily scrutinized by many public health experts.
Other points include tightening health protocols across all public facilities and implementing random antigen rapid tests in highly active locations, preparing quarantine facilities, and speeding up Bali’s vaccination drive.
The province aims to increase its vaccination rate to 50,000 people per day, or about 5,000 to 8,000 people daily at the regency or city level. Officials are seeking to fully vaccinate 70 percent of the Bali population by September 10 at the latest, while setting a deadline of July 10 to have that portion of the population receive at least their first COVID-19 jab.
