Domestic visitors to Bali will now be required to
submit negative swab test results with a QR code in order to avoid false
documents, as the province announces stricter restrictions to fight the
continuing national COVID-19 spike.
“Domestic tourists travelling to Bali by air, land, or
sea will have their [entry] criteria tightened,” Koster stated yesterday night
in Denpasar during a meeting with other high-ranking authorities.
The main elements, as outlined in a statement
published today, include a variety of topics, including increased tracing,
testing, and treatment, however further information is not provided. One
significant modification in the most recent notification is a revised
requirement for domestic visitors to Bali, who must now show negative results
from either a PCR or antigen quick test that includes a QR code.
It is unclear if there have been proven or suspected
occurrences of forged documents or undiscovered coronavirus infections, however
this is not ruled out. Previously, visitors to Bali could submit negative
results from three COVID-19 test options: PCR, antigen rapid, and the GeNose
breathalyser, the last one of which has been extensively examined by numerous
public health professionals.
Other considerations include strengthening health
protocols in all public places, performing random antigen quick tests in
high-traffic areas, constructing quarantine facilities, and accelerating Bali's
vaccination campaign.
The province intends to raise its vaccination rate to
50,000 people per day, or 5,000 to 8,000 people per day at the regency or city
level. Officials hope to completely vaccinate 70% of the Bali population by
September 10 at the latest, with a July 10 deadline for that percentage of the
population to receive at least their first COVID-19 vaccine.