Possible Covid-19 clusters have been identified across several traditional markets in the city by the Officials in Denpasar after a number of sellers in the markets tested positive.
Spokesman for the Denpasar COVID-19 Task Force, I Dewa Gede Rai stated that it is difficult to figure out the contact tracing especially the buyers.
“We don’t know who has gone shopping or used their services. So we’re having a hard time tracing the market visitors,” Gede Rai said.
As per the officials at least one seller is tested positive in the following markets : Pasar Pemeregan, Pasar Badung, Pasar Kumbasari, and Pasar Gunung Agung of Denpasar.
People who have visited these markets are now strongly advised to report to the Denpasar task force as they may have come in contact with these sellers and may be subjected to swab pcr testing.
“Those who feel like they have been in direct contact with the sellers who tested positive, must honestly report themselves and they will be tested, either rapid or swab,” Gede Rai said, adding that successful handling of COVID-19 is mostly determined by the public’s discipline and honesty.
“Especially because this is local transmission and we’re facing difficulties in contact tracing. Whether we realize it or not the virus is around us.”
As for now other sellers within the range of 10 meters radius of the confirmed covid-19 patients are now being tested. Officials have also sprayed disinfectants in the area and are constantly raising awareness about the required health protocols.
As per the official data, locally transmitted cases now make up of more than half 51.48 percent of the total number of cases in Bali.
Denpasar city has been recording the highest spike in such cases, despite being the only region in the province to implement Restrictions on People’s Activities (PKM) protocol.
As of yesterday afternoon, Bali has confirmed 608 COVID-19 cases, including 409 recoveries and five deaths.