Omicron Variant Appears, Bali Is More Affected

Bali Governor Wayan Koster/DOC Bali Provincial Government

DENPASAR - The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has made Bali even more affected. The central government has now imposed a 7-day quarantine period for foreign travelers entering Indonesia. Meanwhile, travelers from 11 countries including South Africa are prohibited from entering.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster said efforts to restore the tourism economy were still being carried out. But the Bali Provincial Government is aware that the latest conditions from the coronavirus have a new impact.

"It seems that we still have to be patient, previously we had opened foreign tours on October 14 last. But the dynamics of COVID-19 abroad instead developed in wave 3, wave 4. Now a new variant of the Omnicron variant from South Africa has emerged," said Koster in a statement. plenary meeting at the Bali DPRD building, Monday, November 29.

Koster in front of the council members said the Omicron variant had been found in a number of countries including Australia. The Bali Provincial Government has coordinated with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi regarding tightening foreign travel agents entering Indonesia.

"Apparently it has entered Australia (the new variant). Yesterday, I got a WA from Australia. I have entered there, last night I communicated with the Foreign Minister that he would tighten foreign travel for countries that already have this new variant," he added.

Therefore, Koster asked the Balinese to remain patient because foreign tourists have not yet entered the Island of the Gods.

"So apparently we have to be patient with foreign tourists because the central government will tighten again regarding the emergence of this new variant. He said, it is more dangerous than the delta variant," continued Koster.

The tightening of entry gates for international travel, called Koster, is an effort by the government to prevent the Omicron variant from entering Indonesia.

"Therefore, Mr. President really takes care of the health of the people in Indonesia and Bali in particular. So that it doesn't become counterproductive to the good achievements that we are going through at this time," he said.

"Hopefully they don't enter Indonesia and don't enter Bali so that at least the domestic tourists, who are now starting to squirm, can be maintained. In fact, we are pushing forward as part of the gradual economic recovery through tourism in Bali," continued Koster.