Bali Covid-19 endemic phase as stated by Bali Governor Wayan Koster that the Island of Gods is witnessing a shift in phases from a pandemic to an endemic based on recent COVID-19 cases and vaccination rates.
“Seeing curve patterns from 2020 and 2021 and currently 2022, I think from the development aspect between past patterns and existing curves, we are actually entering the endemic phase,” Koster said during a meeting at the Bali Regional Council today.
Koster met with legislators to discuss the 2021 accountability report (LKPJ) and shared his thoughts on the current COVID-19 situation. The top official later conceded that, at the end of the day, the official statement on whether Bali has entered an endemic phase would have to refer to a declaration from the World Health Organization (WHO). “But I think Bali is already in that phase. So [it’s] safe,” he added.
In his report, Koster said that the province recorded 40 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, while 30 people recovered and, thankfully, no death was reported. The highest recent daily infections rate fell on Feb. 9 with 2,556 new cases that day, but numbers have continued to decline since. Koster added that Bali has administered booster shots to 50.3 percent of its population – the highest in Indonesia, he noted – while the first dosage coverage is at 104 percent and 95 percent for the second dosage.
“Even now with international tourists able to enter Bali without quarantine and by using visas on arrivals, there has been no increase in COVID-19 cases. So we may continue the policy,” he said, referring to the 42 nationalities eligible for visas on arrival and the recently-introduced no-quarantine policy for Bali visitors.
The transition to the endemic phase will mean removing many of the social mobility restrictions that have been in place for two years. Some — though not all — of these restrictions can be safely lifted. People should be allowed to travel more freely, go to their workplaces, do their shopping and go to entertainment places, and for children go back to school. Some of these restrictions have been eased in recent weeks.
When the government decides to begin the transition toward an endemic phase, it should be announced by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. It was he who issued the presidential decree declaring a national health emergency status in March 2020, elevating it to health natural disaster status a month later. When he breaks the news to the nation, he should send a clear message that the end of the pandemic does not mean a full return to normalcy. We should not be under any illusion that the virus has gone away. COVID-19 has taught us lessons on how to live with the virus. While wearing facemasks in public places may no longer be mandatory, it should be a requirement at workplaces and in schools for those who show even the slightest symptoms of the flu.
Better still, they should be required to stay at home until they are fully recovered. As we move toward the endemic phase, the government must remain vigilant, with public participation, in the event of another virus outbreak. Our resiliency toward COVID-19 will be put to the test in the coming Idul Fitri holiday at the end of April and the beginning of May.
This is normally the time when millions of people travel to their hometowns to celebrate the Islamic holiday. In 2020 and 2021, in spite of travel restrictions, many defied mobility curbs and both times caused a spike in infection rates. Let’s move toward the endemic phase with care.
After knowing the fact that Bali is entering the endemic phase, let us give you some updates on current situation and policy in Bali. Currently, all arrivals into Indonesia must hold a visa. Tourists can apply for the Tourism B211 Visit Visa, or for 42 nationalities, the Visa On Arrival has now been reinstated.
The 42 nationalities eligible for the Visa On Arrival are: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Germany, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA and Vietnam.
The eye-opening interesting spots in Bali you don’t want to miss this time https://www.hydromedicalbali.com/reminding-you-again-of-the-most-visited-spots-in-bali-on-the-long-vacation/
All arrivals must also show proof of at least one vaccination, they must also present a negative PCR test within 2x 24 hours of departure, and if only partially vaccinated, travellers with just one dose must complete a short quarantine period upon arrival into Indonesia (note: you must quarantine at the port of entry into Indonesia). For fully vaccinated travellers, a one-night booking at a CHSE certified hotel is required instead of quarantine.
For more information on which visas are accepted and what documentation is required for arrivals, read our e-visa guide, or follow the Bali COVID-19 Update Facebook group for daily (and accurate) updates.
- Visa update: Visas On Arrival have been reinstated for 42 nationalities. For all other nationalities, tourists can apply for the Single Entry B211 Visit e-Visa.
- Quarantine update: Quarantine is no longer required for fully-vaccinated international arrivals (two doses or a booster).
- Partially vaccinated travellers can now quarantine in Bali (instead of Jakarta only)
- Red list update: Indonesia has removed the “Red List” ban. All nationalities may now enter the country!
It is not complete read without tips from us on how you can travel safely when you are travelling in Bali. Here are below some tips from us to you, because your safety is number one for us.
- Wash your hand frequently with soap
This may seem obvious, but it’s about time we all started washing our hands properly. That means thoroughly lathering the backs of your hands, in-between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub for at least 20 seconds (or for as long as it takes to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice) and then dry your hands with a clean towel. Use a hand sanitiser if you can’t wash your hands immediately.
- Avoid crowded places and contact with people who are unwell
Yup, unfortunately it’s not the best time to rub shoulders with the masses at one of Bali’s biggest nightclubs – but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of Bali’s secluded destinations and off-the-beaten path adventures.
- Down with a fever, cough or the flu?
Wear a mask and seek medical attention right away. If for whatever reason you do not have your mask, cover your mouth with tissue paper whenever you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissue in a rubbish bin immediately.
- Boost your Immunity
A good one to practice not only during a pandemic but in everyday life too: boost your health and look after your immune system. Slurp on juices and coconuts (or even try one of Bali’s best juice cleanses), clock in enough exercise at one of Bali’s best gyms or yoga studios, and treat yourself to some stress-melting pampering with a massage from one of Bali’s best spas. Top tip: try Indonesia’s age-old elixir of Jamu – a potent mixture of turmeric, tamarind, and sometimes ginger, lime and honey too. It’s an immunity-boosting traditional medicine that Indonesians swear by!
- Check your travel and health insurance
Before you book your insurance, you’ll want to confirm with your provider that Covid-related issues will be covered – this could include medical treatment, flight cancellations, and even accommodation allowances if you happen to be held up anywhere. For all international arrivals, you’ll need to have at least $25,000USD Covid coverage included.
Wherever you are in the world, it goes without saying that monitoring your health is essential – especially if you’ve recently travelled. Much like the flu, the virus can transfer via close contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It can also spread when you touch your mouth, nose or eyes after touching infected surfaces or objects. The symptoms of Coronavirus are similar to the flu, pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.
That includes a sore throat, cough, fever and even shortness of breath for severe cases. If you do feel unwell or experience any of these symptoms, then contact a doctor immediately.
Honestly? It’s relatively straightforward. Pandemic or not, observing basic personal hygiene is key and being socially responsible is pretty obvious.
With a little initiative and awareness, we can kick Coronavirus in the butt and continue enjoying life in paradise… Let’s do this, people!
