increased social restrictions during festive season in bali

As we quickly get into the time of year to plan breaks, prepare to add more culinary delights, and maybe even throw a house party, the warning bells are already ringing in government offices ... and it is not necessary! But it looks like the PPKM (social restrictions) will be increased for the holiday period, between December 24, 2021 and January 3, 2022, across the country, including Bali.

The hospitality industry is gearing up to try to recoup some of its revenue after two years of lengthy restrictions, closings and closings. And they desperately need this income. But at the same time, the government is concerned enough to avoid a "spike" in COVID-19 cases due to increased mobility and gatherings during the holiday season, which is understandable. Has reached…

So how do you combine these two very important and contradictory needs? In fact, it's simple: if we can safely operate the way we do now, and it looks like we do, let's set limits for traveling, eating, drinking, and collecting the same things as today. 'Hey! People have a lot of freedom now; restaurants, bars and public spaces benefit from a certain level of congestion. If this continues over Christmas and New Years, so much the better! We don't have to double down on big parties and festive events, but overthrowing freedom doesn't make sense.

The celebration doesn't have to be bigger, and the restrictions don't have to be stricter either. Does this seem like a fair compromise to you?

We shouldn't let the hotel run at full capacity and keep the restaurants and bars as they are now. If they want a good Christmas lunch and dinner, change the menu but don't change the rules! There are no additional flights to Bali, Lombok and Jogja. Stay like us. Things are improving and are at a manageable level ...

Yes, people need to relax at the end of the year… but we can also encourage them to do it outside. We can promote walks, bike rides, barbecues and parks, it doesn't have to be a big party. There are a lot of options!

There is no need to shut down entertainment venues like cinemas or aquariums, just limit the number, have the right system in place, and get in and out gradually. All it takes is discipline and good management. We can certainly do that and keep our hospitality or food and beverage industry alive. Thousands of jobs - and lives - depend on it!