Many of you who have COVID-19 symptoms or have had near contact with a confirmed patient can now take advantage of a free PCR test in Denpasar, thanks to the Bali provincial government.

Ketut Suarjaya, Chief of the Bali Health Agency, revealed the free service yesterday, which will be available every day from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at a regional health lab on Jl. Angsoka No. 12, Denpasar district.

To use the facility, participants must carry their KTP (ID card) or proof of residency.

“The important thing is they exhibit symptoms or were in close contacts with a COVID-19 patient, even if they are from outside of the region they can still participate in the program,” Suarjaya said.

There are no restrictions on how many individuals will participate in the initiative, as authorities plan to increase their monitoring and tracing activities to combat the spread of the coronavirus, he said.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, health experts have questioned the government's openness on testing and tracing, which they believe is badly lacking given the country's large population.