no exemptions to the foreigners - bali's mandatory mask rule is for everyone

An official confirmed on Tuesday that no foreigners are exempted from the mandatory rule of wearing mask in the public. After the announcement of the mandatory mask in public, the inspection caught mostly the foreigners in North Kuta roaming around without a mask one.

“People seem to think we are only ready to sanction local residents … that foreigners get a free pass,” I Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara, who heads Badung regency’s Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), said.

“People assumed we are only brave enough to sanction local people, but this rule applies to everyone, both Indonesians and foreign nationals who are here [in Bali].” 

As per the stats of Suryanegara, 80 percent of the violators caught in Pererenan village were foreigners. Most of them insisted that they were either wearing helmets or moved through cars so they didn't come in contact with any one and didn't need a mask.

“The rule said that everyone who is outside their homes must wear masks. If they do not wear masks, they will be fined,” he said. 

While the stats do not give out the total number of people of Monday, Satpol PP Badung fine 23 people on the first day 

 of the mandatory mask rule on Monday, while dozens of other violators were given warnings. 

Bali province began enforcing a mandatory mask rule this week, as part of a new regulation issued to control coronavirus transmissions on the island. Individuals without masks in public places are subject to an IDR100,000 (US$6.74) fine.