It’s been a long time without good news for Bali but today marks the start of the ‘new normal’ protocol in Badung.
In an announcement from the Regional Secretary of Badung, I Wayan Adi Arnawa, Grocery stores, shopping centers and restaurants will now be able to operate from 8:00 a.m. until 11 p.m.
This is the first loosening of restrictions in Bali and shows that the island is possibly ready to start moving forward.
Under the new normal the following businesses will be able to operate under the extended hours.
- Supermarkets
- Minimarkets,
- Hypermarkets,
- Department stores,
- Wholesalers
- Shopping Malls
- Fast food restaurants such as Starbucks, Chatime & KFC
Supermarkets and restaurants will be able to operate at 40% capacity and must enforce social distancing measure under the new normal protocols.
Sinks, hand soap and sanitizer must be available for both customers and workers at all times. In addition, each business must completely disinfect the store every two days.
“The government is now promoting new normal, this is one of the first steps towards that. We loosen operating hours, but it still follows the health protocol,” said the Head of the Badung Regency Cooperative, SME and Trade Office I Made Widiana said.
“Implementing tight controls on the entrances and exits that are arranged to prevent the crowd,” added Widiana.
Traditional markets will also be able to operate under the new hours but the decision will be left to each Local Village Covid-19 Task Force.
“Related to the management of people’s markets or traditional markets, the regulation of operating hours is based on the consideration of Covid-19 Village Taskforce,” concluded Widiana.
This first loosening of restrictions could give hope that things in Bali will soon return to a ‘new normal’.
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