JAKARTA: As the resort island of Bali gradually opens up for tourists, a minister called on visitors to adhere to strict health protocols in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
By the same token, National Development Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa assured the island was safe for visits as the local administration and businesses would take preventive steps at popular sites, according to The Jakarta Post.
The island would anchor on the gradual reopening of its doors to tourists, with hopes to revive the local economy, after months of restrictions because of the crisis, according to The Jakarta Post.
"While we should remain vigilant with regard to the virus, we shouldn't be paranoid. It is safe to visit Bali, but please adhere to health protocols implemented on the island," he said.
Bali reopened for domestic tourists on July 31 and an estimated 4,000 airline passengers reportedly arrived at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. As for foreign tourists, the island will start accepting them by Sept 11.
Tourism is among the hardest hit sector by the Covid-19 pandemic as many had to stay at home and limit travelling to avoid catching the virus.
Bali has lost an estimated US$3.33 billion in tourism revenue between March and July, making the reopening a much-awaited move.
Suharso urged tourists to take a polymerase chain reaction test prior to their visit to Bali, although the island accepts rapid test result as a requirement for visits.
"We should take a PCR test before and after our visit to Bali. The rapid test should only be used if we can't take the PCR test, as the former only shows our antibody reaction (to Covid-19)."
Suharso said tourists should bring along hand sanitiser, wet wipes and face masks during their trips and take a shower at the hotel at the end of the day.
According to kompas.com, Bali Tourism Agency head Putu Aswata said there was a surge in airport arrivals since the reopening, mainly by domestic tourists.