Bali’s Head of the Health Department (Kadinkes), I Nyoman Gede Anom, has called for stricter monitoring at the island’s entry points, particularly for Chinese tourists arriving with fever symptoms. This precaution stems from Bali’s open tourism policies, which require heightened vigilance for visitors from affected regions.

“This virus spreads like the flu. Although the strain in China hasn’t reached us yet, we remain cautious because Bali is open for tourism. We must adhere to protocols since there’s no vaccine available yet,” Anom stated, as reported by Antara on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Currently, Bali utilizes thermo scanners at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to monitor the body temperature of incoming passengers. This technology enables early detection of potential cases and helps prevent the virus from spreading.

“When we detect a fever at the airport, especially among tourists arriving from China, we immediately suspect HMPV and direct the individual for a thorough medical examination. Every group of tourists from China is now routinely screened,” he added.

This protocol mirrors the approach previously implemented by the Bali Health Department to address the monkeypox outbreak, which involved heightened surveillance of travelers from Africa. “The focus is on this virus because it has been reported in China. However, it’s important to note that this virus is not fatal. Even the WHO has not declared it a global health emergency,” Anom emphasized.

The local government has already coordinated with the Regional Health Quarantine Center (BBKK). Should any HMPV cases be detected, patients will be referred to Prof. Ngoerah Hospital for further treatment. Anom reassured the public to remain calm while maintaining personal hygiene, consuming nutritious food, and wearing masks when experiencing flu or cough symptoms.

Separately, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa clarified that specific measures for Chinese tourists fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Immigration. However, she confirmed ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Health on health-related issues.

“We urge the public and tourism stakeholders to follow the Ministry of Health’s guidance and adopt the principles of Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability (CHSE). The Ministry of Health has advised the public to stay calm but vigilant and to maintain good health practices to reduce the risk of transmission,” Puspa stated in a written message from Jakarta on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

As Bali remains committed to protecting public health while maintaining its status as a global tourism hub, these measures reflect the island’s dedication to balancing health security and economic stability.