The Government of Bali has decided not to open the tourist destinations across Bali for visitors yet as the risk of COVID-19 transmission is rapidly increasing in the country.

Mr. Doni Monardo, National COVID-19 Task Force Chief said on Wednesday (June 17) that after discussing with Bali Governor Mr. Wayan Koster all the possibilities of opening tourist destinations in Bali with key health safety and prevention measures of COVID-19, it has been decided to continue the closure of tourist destinations in Bali for visitors.

Mr. Doni Monardo said during a hearing with House of Representatives Commission overseeing tourism, “The result of our discussions with several regional leaders, including the Bali governor, was that we have decided not to open Bali yet.”

He wants the government of Bali to prepare a plan to combat with the second phase of COVID-19 pandemic and install the machines for PCR test at the airports and ports. He also said that a special protocol should be established to before allowing tourists in Bali.

Some cities and regencies on the island are still under red and orange zones. Areas with high risk of COVID-19 transmission are marked as red zone and areas with a moderate risk of COVID-19 transmission are marked as orange zones.

In regards to COVID-19 transmission in Indonesia, the country has reported a total number of 41,431 confirmed cases and 2,276 patients have lost their lives. However, 16,243 patients who tested positive to COVID-19 have completely recovered from the virus, as of Thursday (June 18).