tourist destinations urged to suspend operations in bali to curb corona virus spread

Tourist destinations are strongly urged to suspend operations by Bali's provincial administration to curb down the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.

Dewa Made Indra, the administration's regional secretary who is also serving as the head of provincial task force for COVID-19, said Governor Wayan Koster told all mayors and regents to close all tourist destinations in their areas, including nightclubs and other entertainment spots.

However he also said that the tourist places that are still operating will not be penalized.

“We do not impose punishments. However, we remind all parties that this corona virus is highly contagious and continues to spread; therefore, we must stay vigilant,” Dewa said on Friday.

“We should prioritize the safety of ourselves and the people around us. We have to avoid contracting the virus and spreading it to others.”

Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural park was sprayed with the disinfectants on Saturday, following the governors orders. This park houses the famous iconic 21 story tall monument depicting Hindu deity Vishnu riding the legendary bird Garuda.

Three cases have been reported by Bali's health authority two of which (both foreigners) have died from the covid-19 disease.

So far there have been no confirm cases of local transmission even after Bali being the hot spot for tourists.

Many Balinese make a living by managing and hosting the tourists throughout the tourist attractions and entertainment places in Bali. It is one of the most iconic tourist spot in the world which caters both foreign and domestic tourists in a large number every day.

Putu Astawa, the head of Bali Tourism Agency was in favor of closing down the Island to maximize the efforts of stopping the spread of Covid-19 on the Island. He also said that there is a dire need of a policy to do so as it has been declared as a pandemic by World Health Organization.

"The policy was meant to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This is important to lighten the load on healthcare services," he told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

Bali is gearing up to shut down to observe Nyepi (the Hindu Day of Silence) on Wednesday. The administration has decided to limit congregational rituals and crowd gatherings ahead of the holy day that marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Saka calendar.