ANN/THE JAKARTA POST – Bali authorities are closely monitoring foreign arrivals, particularly from China and Malaysia, due to concerns over the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak.
The Denpasar Port Health Office (KKP) has introduced a requirement for passengers from China and Malaysia to submit a Satu Sehat Health Pass (SSHP) three days before arrival.
This measure aims to track potential health issues, such as high body temperature or flu-like symptoms.
Denpasar KKP head Anak Agung Ngurah Kesumajaya stated on Monday that airlines from China and Malaysia will be given special attention, though health protocols have yet to be enforced.
In 2019, Bali welcomed over 1.18 million Chinese tourists, second only to Australia. In 2023, China ranked third in foreign visitors to Bali, with 280,111 tourist visits, trailing Australia and India.
China recently reported a rise in HMPV cases, attributing it to the seasonal increase in respiratory diseases. The Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that the disease appears less severe and is spreading on a smaller scale than in previous years.
The SSHP can be accessed via barcodes and is monitored at the international airport’s entrance terminals.
It can also be filled out during boarding before flying to Bali. “We have coordinated with airlines to ensure that passengers fill out (the SSHP) before going to Bali. So that we can monitor if there are (passengers) whose conditions are in the red (zone) so we can catch (them),” Kesumajaya said.
The Bali authority has installed three thermal scanners at the airport’s international entrance.
Passengers with body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius will be directed to a quarantine clinic at the airport for a medical check.
The clinic is equipped with a small laboratory to analyse saliva swab tests. Kesumajaya added that the airport had received a rapid molecular testing instrument to detect the virus.
