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Bali Airport Increases Health Screening Measures For Tourist Arrivals 

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New screening measures have been brought into place at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in anticipation of the spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

The virus, which is not fatal, is a respiratory virus that triggers a mild infection similar to that of the common cold. 

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Bali Airport has installed a series of thermal scanners in the arrival area of the international terminal building. The General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, spoke to reporters to explain steps that management is taking to keep travelers safe as they transit through the airport and into Bali. 

Shahab explained, “We have installed three thermal scanner units, two at the international arrival terminal and one at the domestic arrival terminal. We are also coordinating with the Health Quarantine Center (BBKK) to anticipate potential suspect cases. If there are suspect passengers, we will hand them over to BBKK for further processing, including isolation at the BBKK clinic.”

Speaking separately, the Head of the Airport Authority (Otban) for Bali, Cecep Kurniawan, added that his team is still waiting for official direction from the Indonesian Ministry of Health regarding further procedures.

He noted, however, that the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has provided important lessons in anticipating the spread of infectious diseases for airport management. 

Kurniawan explained, “We have taken initial steps based on the experience of Covid-19 and Mpox. Equipment for surveillance, including thermal scanners, has been installed. God willing. Hopefully, it will not (spread) because it will affect the economy.”

In further statements issued by the Head of the Communication and Legal Division at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi stated that in addition to installing thermal scanners, the airport has also prepared to handle potential cases with strict health protocols. 

He shared, “We have prepared three thermal scanner units and coordinated with BBKK. If there are passengers who are detected as suspects, we will conduct further examinations before referring them to the hospital. We urge the public not to panic and to maintain their health.”

The Head of the Bali Health Office, Dr. I Nyoman Gde Anom, has urged the public not to panic when hearing the news that cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) are on the rise globally.

He noted that HMPV has been present in Indonesia for some time but has not been detected in Bali. Dr Anom confirmed that HMPV has not been listed as a global disease of concern by the World Health Organisation. 

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Dr Anom did confirm that the variant of HMPV that is spreading in China is seemingly more infectious than other variants but that this is no cause for concern.

He noted, “The one in China is indeed spreading quickly, but the similar one has not entered. But if it is associated with the virus, what is it called? It has existed for a long time. It’s just that the similar one that is currently in China has not entered Indonesia.”

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He called for the public, tourists included, to act in alignment with standard health protocols for colds and flu should they become ill in the coming weeks.

Dr. Anom said: “If you are sick if you have to go out, wear a mask, still wear a mask when going out in crowded places or when you are weak, but we do not require it.” 

Locals-On-Bali-Beach-Wear-Masks

Passengers arriving in Bali must also have the SATUSEHAT Health Pass app downloaded on their smart device, as has been the case since borders opened after Covid-19.

The app may not be checked by airport staff, but in light of the increased health protocols in place, more checks are underway, with a focus on arrivals from China and Malaysia, where the latest strain of HMPV has been detected. 

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Paul

Thursday 9th of January 2025

Panic at bali it's a cold for heaven's sake .People will still go to work

Exp

Thursday 9th of January 2025

The article refer to thermal scanner screening.

If fever from thermal screening then article basically go on and indicate tourists risk being put into isolation at Health Quarantine Center (BBKK) by Indonesian gov. That is quite a serious issue!

Surely there must be a PCR test to identify the exact virus? Where is this PCT test done? Who pays for isolation including meals? For how long is the isolation period?