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Covid-19 Situation in Bali as per July 20, 2020
The current Coronavirus pandemics' most significant danger is the speed of infection. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported 86,521 total cases in Indonesia as of July 20, 2020. See the report here.
The Indonesian/Balinese government has declared the “state of emergency” in the country until further notice. This allows governments to allocate certain measures to regions especially to fight the coronavirus. The Bali Covid-19 Task Force has shared the following numbers: 2,745 patients were tested positive. See more information here.
The Governor of Bali and the Head of Bali Customs Villages are signing a letter instructing each village in Bali to assemble a voluntary Covid-19 group to educate people in remote villages of the basic protective measures, explain the importance of canceling religious gatherings and distributing face masks and sanitizer. Locals recently arrived from another island or country are asked to report to the local Banjar. Read the full information here. Currently, Bali re-opened tourism places for local visitors. Domestic travel within all Indonesia shall be allowed again from July 31st, international travel from September 11th - though this is subject to change if the Corona situation on the island changes.
A vehicle sprays disinfectant down a street in Karangasem regency. Photo Karangasem Regency/Twitter
Precautions taken in Bali
Since Nyepi day on 25 March 2020, the Government in Bali has used various methods to contain the virus spreading by extending the public stay at home. This is following the basic protective measures recommended by WHO against the coronavirus which are:
- Washing your hands with soap frequently,
- Avoiding touching your face,
- Coughing or sneezing in your elbow or tissue (to discard immediately) and
- Social distancing of at least 1.5 meter
- Wearing a face mask. Cloth masks are to be used for 4 hours and then replaced by another mask. They can be reused after washing with soap and drying in the sun. Check pharmacies for masks. In case they are sold out, also check local shops, as most of them sell masks as well. Or use one of the many DIY instructions shown on Youtube, as e.g. this one.
There are disinfectant spraying on several main roads using police and army water cannons. Covid-19 task forces have been formed. While by now most beaches are open again, please check carefully with your local banjar if it is allowed to go surfing or take that walk at a beach.
The main advice to flatten the curve is to stay home and go out as little as possible so that even if you are a healthy individual, you are not contributing to spreading the virus to more vulnerable members of society.
Foto: ANTARA/Fikri Yusuf/republik.co.id
Traveling to Bali
At the moment, Bali is not yet open for international tourism. However, there are some Indonesians as well as foreigners who have a special permission to enter the country:
Foreigners who are permitted to enter Indonesia per the Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 11/2020:
- Holders of Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) and Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP)
- Holders of Diplomatic Visa (Visa Diplomatik) and Service Visa (Visa Dinas)
- Holders of Diplomatic Stay Permit (Izin Tinggal Diplomatik) and Service Stay Permit (Izin Tinggal Dinas)
- Aid and support staff for medical, food and humanitarian reasons
- Transportation crew members
- Working on national strategic project
Additional restrictions could be put into effect with little or no advance notice. All foreigners entering Indonesia must present a health certificate and will be subject to additional screening upon arrival, including COVID-19 tests conducted at the airport, and may be subject to quarantine requirements. Travelers are strongly advised to review entry requirements at the website of Indonesian Immigration.
What if my Visa is expiring?
If you arrived in Bali after 5 February 2020 and are unable to return to your country of origin the Directorate General of Immigration Indonesia granted Automatic Stay Permit Extension. If you arrived before 5 February it is recommended to work with a visa agent. Read updates regarding the visa regulations as per July 13th here.
What if I show symptoms?
If you are feeling unwell, stay home. If you develop a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical help early. The number to call in Bali is 112 or 223333 or get in touch with one of the following hospitals.
The 11 hospitals designated to handle Covid-19 cases at the moment are:
- Sanglah General Hospital (Denpasar)
- Sanjiwani Gianyar Hospital (Gianyar regency)
- Tabanan General Hospital (Tabanan regency)
- Buleleng Regional General Hospital (Buleleng regency)
- Wangaya General Hospital (Denpasar)
- Bali Mandara Hospital (Denpasar)
- Mangusada Regional Hospital (Badung regency)
- Udayana University Hospital (Badung regency)
- Negara General Hospital (Jembrana regency)
- Klungkung Regional General Hospital (Klungkung regency)
- Pratama Giri Emas Hospital (Buleleng regency).
How can I get food and general supplies?
Most of the markets are closed at the moment, whereas small local shops and bigger super markets are open and can provide food, beverages and general supplies. In Bali many food providers are offering home delivery services, for example KAFE:
KAFE
Jl. Hanoman No.44B, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
kafe-bali.com
Open from 7am - 10pm. Check their delivery menu here and order via WhatsApp (Chat Only): +6281907118242 Phone: (+62361) 4792078 +628111793455.
See more food delivery services in Bali here.
The Government is advising moving to online shopping and using e-money to prevent virus spreading with money (bank notes). Several traditional markets in Denpasar are accessible via the Go Shop feature on the Go-Jek app or Grab app.
Here are the new operational hours of some affected traditional markets in Denpasar and other areas:
- Cokroaminoto Afternoon Market opens at 1.00pm, closes at 9:00pm
- Cokroaminoto Night Market opens at 1.00am and closes at 8.00am
- Gunung Agung Fish Market opens at 1:00am and closes at 6:00 am
- Kumbasari Market, opens twice a day, night opens at 5:00pm, closes at 9:00pm; While in the morning opens at 1.00am and closes at 8.00am
- Asoka Market opens at 2.00pm and closes at 9:00pm
- Night market at Sayan (near Ubud) starting open, while the morning market remained operating as usual.
- Some restaurants in Gianyar and Ubud are starting to open their business with safety precautions.
- Gianyar Night and morning market still open as usual at new places due to construction.
How to make most of your time at home
This is an excellent opportunity to spend time with your loved ones or enjoy the solitude. Meditate, dance like no one is watching, do yoga, write that book that you never had time for, binge watch your favorite shows or online concerts and live streams, start your online platform or educate yourself online.
Online Yoga and Meditations
Yogitimes Best Online Yoga Streaming Platforms
Online Learning
In conclusion, this is a severe global pandemic we as humanity are all facing. Let us keep it as safe as possible: It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to save the world and its communities by staying at home and practicing stillness and self-care.
Further sources:
