Documenting the Coronavirus in Bali

I started documenting COVID-19 in Bali since it made its way here from Wuhan, China in December 2019. It’s been my way of keeping track of the virus since the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic.

I listen to the doctors, nurses, and other essential workers who risk their lives every day. Telling their stories of fathers, mothers, grandparents, friends, and children who die alone every day. Three out of ten patients die according to doctors, and it wears them down mentally and physically to the point of breaking down. This pandemic is exhausting for many around the world.

This virus is very real, don’t find out the hard way. Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep your distance, and stay home as much as possible. You can have a vacation after lockdown when the virus is gone or at least somewhat contained.

FAQs with advice, rules and guidelines (last updated Jan. 13th 2021)

Also, Please be aware that rules in Indonesia are constantly changing and there can be inconsistencies between the rules.  While I try to provide and maintain this information as current as possible, I am not responsible for any errors or outdated material. Keep in mind it is impossible for anyone to give you exact numbers and information during this crisis.

A quick introduction to the coronavirus

The coronavirus causes a disease called COVID-19, with symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. It can be deadly if left untreated, particularly in people over the age of 60 or with underlying health conditions.

In response, companies in Bali have canceled events and ramped up efforts to avoid the spread of misinformation. Meanwhile, scientists around the world continue to figure out exactly how the virus works, in the hopes that they can develop a cure or treatment.

Instead of implementing a nationwide lockdown, the government had approved large-scale social restrictions (Indonesian: Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar, abbreviated as PSBB) for some regencies and cities. Starting from late May 2020, they began to apply the new normal, along with another green and yellow zone regions. This policy received much criticism and is considered as a ‘disaster’ due to the still increasing number of cases.

Most Recent Development

28,Dec, 2020–Bali Governor I Wayan Koster remains optimistic about the revival of international tourism in Bali during a recent meeting with the newly-appointed Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, despite a large spike of COVID-19 cases in the country.

It is said that during most of this pandemic, foreign tourists have not been allowed to visit Indonesia although there are travelers who abuse the “essential business” travel corridor which has been providing alternative ways to enter the island.

Plans to reopen Bali are still only talk, no big changes to report other than the continuous spikes in COVID-19. The Foreign Affairs Ministry policy which bans foreign nationals from all countries to enter the country is still valid until further notice. Meanwhile, all foreign nationals who are due to arrive in Indonesia from Dec. 28-31 are required to present a negative result of their PCR swab test from their country of origin, which should be taken at most two days before the date of departure

On Dec. 19, the National COVID-19 Task Force enforced a new regulation for all travelers, including those traveling by air, to present the negative result of an antigen rapid test that must be taken at most three days prior to departure. The rule applies to all trips into and within Java and Bali, with one notable exception being that air travelers heading to the Island of the Gods must present a negative PCR test result, which is valid for seven days. 

The Indonesian government received 1.2 million doses of vaccine developed by the China-based biopharmaceutical company, Sinovac Biotech. The vaccines arrived Sunday, December 6th in a effort to slow down the spreading of Covid-19.

This vaccine has been clinically tested in Bandung since August and scientist await the final results which will determine when COVID-19 vaccinations can be carried out, although they will most likely be distributed to doctors, nurses, police, and other essential worker first. The vaccine is expected to be available to the public by late spring or even the end of the summer.

Recently, the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) revealed that 342 health workers, which comprise 192 doctors, 14 dentists and 136 nurses, had died while performing their duties since the start of the pandemic.

In January 2021, the government is expected to purchase another 1.8 million doses of vaccine apart from the 15 million doses of vaccine in raw materials they acquired this month. A total of 30 million doses should be available by the end of January 2021.

The vaccine in raw form will be further processed by Bio Farma as a BUMN, a vaccine manufacturer. BUMNs is also controlled by Ministry of State Owned Enterprises. However, to start vaccination strict stages from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) will be enforced.

What is the current Coronavirus situation in Bali & Indonesia?

As of today (13,January 2021), Indonesia is currently at Level 3 on the risk-level assessment,

The Health Ministry announced there were 6,267 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Sunday Nov 29, 2020, bringing the total number of infections nationwide to 534,266.

As of January 13th that number has risen to 846,765 after 312,499 new cases were recorded since Sunday Nov 29.

Indonesia has tested 5,232,921 people against its 269 million population so far, or around 19,410 people per million.

Find more statistics at Statista

• Situation in Bali is unpredictable while others might tell you differently. The numbers here seem to be considerably low compared to other areas in the country, and globally due to a lack of testing.
• Hospitals remain at full capacity as a result of the coronavirus
• Most travelers have left Bali. Those still here are mostly expats who own businesses, digital nomads, and those with Kitas or Kitap or married foreigners.
• Some visitors are finding ways to enter Indonesia:

Indonesia’s Immigration has made a few exemptions (loopholes) for foreigners wanting to enter Bali or other areas of Indonesia for the following reasons:

1. Humanitarian activities
2. Volunteering Activities
3. Family reunion
4. Business or Investment visit

• Indonesia has banned all other foreign arrivals other than the above until further notice
• All citizens and visitors are asked to stay at home, work from home, and follow the guidelines of “SOCIAL DISTANCING”. A fine of Rp100k(USD$7.11) will be given to those who refuse to wear a mask
• Food shopping and other important necessities are still obtainable (stores and malls are open for business) Temperatures must be taken prior to entering as well as wearing a mask and use of hand sanitizer
• A decent amount of restaurants, bars, and hotels have opened again and should be conducting temperature checks, and the use of masks but, not all do due to fear of losing business
• Major events have been canceled and the governor has instructed the Balinese, and Indonesian citizens to stay away from mass events (religions and non-religious) Catholic and Christians services can be watched live on YouTube
• Most tourist attractions and beaches that had been closed are now open again
• Thousands of Balinese lost their jobs and businesses have either declared bankruptcy, closed permanently, or temporarily because they can’t pay their bills and were losing money everyday just keep the doors open. Personal hardship for the Balinese will remain for many years.

How many cases have been identified in Indonesia?

As of January 13th, 2021, as many as 846,765 cases have been confirmed in Indonesia with 24,645 deaths and 695,807 recoveries recorded so far. 

WHO is working with the Indonesian Government to monitor the situation and prevent the further spread of disease.

For an official tally from the Indonesian government-mandated COVID-19 Task Force, click here 

How dangerous is the coronavirus in Bali?

If an illness isn’t too severe (and kills only a small percentage of people), but it’s highly transmissible, it can still be devastating. An easily transmitted illness that kills a small percentage of the people it infects can still cause a lot of deaths, precisely because so many people get sick.
Most people who get COVID-19 in Bali who have mild or moderate symptoms can recover with the right treatment. If you become aware of symptoms early such as a cough, fever and difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately- but, call the closest treatment facility by telephone first.

How easily can the virus spread?

The virus spreads when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Coughs and sneezes produce little droplets of mucus and saliva. If these droplets make it into another person’s eyes, mouth, or nose, they can get sick. The viruses in those little droplets can also fall onto surfaces, like tables or doorknobs — if someone touches that surface and touches their eyes, mouth, or nose, they can also get sick.

The virus is now spreading all over the world. Indonesia remains to have the highest cases in SE Asia.

Can we treat this virus?

Scientists are searching for antivirals that work against the new coronavirus. Remdesivir, made by Gilead Sciences under the brand Veklury, is the first drug to gain approval from the F.D.A. for the treatment of Covid-19

There is no cure yet for Covid-19. Only one treatment, a drug called remdesivir, has been approved by the F.D.A. for the disease, and research suggests it may provide only a modest benefit to patients. The F.D.A. has granted emergency use authorization to some other treatments, but their effectiveness against Covid-19 has yet to be demonstrated in large-scale, randomized clinical trials.

This list provides a snapshot of the latest research on the coronavirus, but does not constitute medical endorsements. Always consult your doctor about treatments for Covid-19.

New additions and recent updates:

What can I do to protect myself and others?

Stay home if you’re feeling sick, and wear a mask if you go out. And If everyone wears them, some studies show they could help slow the spread of the virus. Wash your hands every time you touch something, and keep your distance from others in public. Stay away from large groups, especially indoors.

If I already had COVID-19, am I immune?

The safest answer to this is no, there isn’t enough evidence to prove that people who got sick once with COVID-19 can’t get sick again. Also, who’s to say whether you had a false reading the first time you had symptoms.

What’s happening in Indonesia?

Protests relating to changes in local labor laws have been taking place in various provinces and may continue. Monitor local news and avoid protests as they can turn violent with little notice.

Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration (DGI) is no longer automatically extending expired visas or stay permits under COVID-19 emergency arrangements. DGI advises holders of expired visas or stay-permits in Indonesia to apply immediately so that a valid one can be issued.

Overstaying your permit may result in fines, detention, and even deportation. Flight options in and out of Indonesia are still very limited and could become worse.

COVID-19 is widespread in Indonesia with continuing transmission across the country. If you’re confirmed as having COVID-19, you will be placed into a quarantine facility or allowed to quarantine in your private home if your case is mild. Domestic travel restrictions and social distancing measures are in place for many locations.

In Jakarta, large scale social restrictions (PSBB) are in effect, including widespread closures of public venues and reduced public transport. Follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor the media for the latest update.

Domestic flights from Jakarta arrive daily.

When will the COVID-19 pandemic will end?

It’s impossible to say with any degree of certainty just how long the COVID-19 pandemic will last.

The ‘end’ to a plague by definition is the elimination, reduction of new cases- the complete wiping out of the virus.

Estimating its duration in a global population depends on how we all behave, which can be much harder to model. 

The future depends on a lot of unknowns, including whether people develop lasting immunity to the virus, whether seasonality affects its spread, and — perhaps most importantly — the choices made by governments and individuals.

It’s hard to figure out how often people without symptoms spread COVID-19.
What is even harder to understand are the parents who believe their kids can’t spread COVID-19 to other people even if they have mild or no symptoms.

I see kids running around the immigration office here in Jimbaran all the time. Seems as though both the parents and staff believe that once you show no high fever and sanitize your hands, your virus-free. That is not the case. Leave your kids at home if you can’t control them.

Who’s most at risk from the coronavirus in Indonesia?

If you have older family members, friends, or work around people that are over 60 years old, or have underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer, Then you should respect them by keeping your distance and offering them assistance if needed.

Why are younger people getting severe cases of corona?

Because they still think they’re from the planet Krypton or superhero. But this is no laughing matter, tragic stories of young people getting gravely sick and dying are starting to surface throughout the world. The coronavirus doesn’t care how old you are.

After recovering, COVID-19 patients struggle to know when to stop isolating.
There is a lot of conflicting advice here, doctors say that people can stop isolating once they’ve been fever-free for 72 hours, their other symptoms have improved, and it’s been at least seven days since they first felt sick.

There is limited information available about how patients recover. It isn’t something people like to share.
There is no harm in staying home, so if you can food delivered for you and your family and limiting your outings, that would be good.

The best graphs and data for tracking the coronavirus in Indonesia

While many experts have cautioned, even up-to-the-minute maps are effectively operating with a delay. Infected people can take up to 14 days to develop symptoms, and they might wait even longer for a test — if they’re tested at all.

So, it will take a while to see what’s really going on if ever. You should never rely on one single data source. Instead, use several together due to each source having its own limitations.

Johns Hopkins 2019 Novel Coronavirus Visual Dashboard

Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) has assembled one of the simplest ways to track the virus worldwide. The map aggregates data from 17 sources, including the World Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and several individual governments. The site tallies the total cases by country or hotspot, the number of deaths, and more optimistically, the number of people who have recovered.

New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases per Day

91-DIVOC is home to many data-forward, high-quality, interactive, and informative visualizations made during the global pandemic created by Prof. Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider. I hope you’ll spend some time and nerd out on data with me! :)- wade

What is contact tracing?

Contact tracing is the process of identifying, assessing, and managing people who have been exposed to a disease to prevent onward transmission. When systematically applied, contact tracing will break the chains of transmission of COVID-19 and is essential to Indonesia’s public health and controlling the coronavirus in Indonesia.

This may be Indonesia’s weak point and a big reason their numbers continue to increase. Government officials say that patients are sometimes unwilling to provide their contact information either due to a lack of trust or fear of possible expulsion from the communities they reside in. Indonesians will typically avoid being traced by telling authorities they can’t remember their activities over the last 14 days.

Contact tracing for COVID-19 requires identifying people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and following them up daily for 14 days from the last point of exposure.

Is it impossible to count everyone with COVID-19?

There’s no way for public health experts to count every person who has coronavirus in Indonesia at a given time. Instead, they combine different sources of data to make the best-possible estimate of what disease outbreaks look like.

The new COVID-19 surge may be harder to contain

Recently, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that a second wave of the novel coronavirus in Indonesia will be far more dire because it is likely to coincide with the start of the flu season.

Coming soon articles for coronavirus in Indonesia

• Emergency COVID-19 vaccines will have to convince a skeptical public
• You can’t find ‘super-spreader’ businesses with old GPS data
• Coronavirus testing shouldn’t be this complicated
• The new coronavirus is not an excuse to be racist
• Personal privacy matters during a pandemic — but less than it might at other times
• Here’s how hospitals are keeping up emergency services during COVID-19
• Masks may be good, but the messaging around them has been very bad

Coronavirus in Indonesia How Tos

• Everything you wanted to know about self-quarantine
• A germophobe’s guide to a clean phone
• How to make your own hand sanitizer
• How to debunk COVID-19 conspiracy theories
• Apps aren’t a reliable way to measure blood oxygen levels
• How do you deal with people who refuse to wear a mask?
• How to stop your glasses from fogging up when you wear a mask

What’s Bali’s vibe right now?: Click Here

Most recent posts and conditions:

• Top 12 Traveler clichés– Bali
• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
• What You NeedTo Know Before Entering Bali During The Pandemic & B211A
• The art of picking manggas in Bali
• Solo Female In Bali?