Bali Airport (I Gusti Ngurah Rai or Denpasar) has introduced new health screening measures to prevent the spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
While the respiratory virus causes symptoms similar to a common cold and is not fatal, airport officials are taking precautions to safeguard travellers.
To this end, thermal scanners have been installed in the international terminal to monitor arriving passengers for fever. Additionally, strict health protocols are ready to address potential cases.
(Denpasar) Bali Airport General Manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab highlighted the measures as part of broader efforts to ensure the safety of locals and visitors alike.
“We have installed three thermal scanner units, two at the international arrival terminal and one at the domestic arrival terminal,” Shahab explained.
“We are also coordinating with the Health Quarantine Center (BBKK) to anticipate potential suspect cases.
“If there are suspect passengers, we will hand them over to BBKK for further processing, including isolation at the BBKK clinic.”
According to The Bali Sun, the Head of the Bali Health Office, Dr I Nyoman Gde Anom, reassured travellers that HMPV has not been detected in the popular tourist island and not been classified as a global threat by the World Health Organisation.
However, the variant spreading in China appears more infectious, so Dr Anom advised tourists to follow basic cold and flu protocols if unwell.
“If you are sick if you have to go out, wear a mask, still wear a mask when going out in crowded places or when you are weak, but we do not require it,” Anom said.
Bali-bound travellers are reminded to download the SATUSEHAT Health Pass app.
The latest Australian Travel Industry Association ATIA Travel Trends Report shows that Indonesia is still our top holiday hotspot in 2024, with 1.59 million Aussies heading over there – up 34 per cent year-on-year.
Read how this travel agent’s industry know-how (and connections) saved a family’s Bali holiday.
