Mataram to Enforce Isolation Center to Contain Omicron

TheIndonesia.id - Mataram is set to operate an isolation center for returning Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) and incoming foreign nationals, to contain the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron.

As the B.1.1.529 variant is reported to transmit more easily compared to the Delta variant, the city’s COVID-19 Task Force said it’s moving fast to prevent any infection, and it will soon begin discussion to determine details for the isolation.

“Location for centered-isolation will be deliberated soon by Mataram’s COVID-19 Task Force,” spokesperson I Nyoman Swandiasa explained on Tuesday, November 30.

He could reveal that current options for location are Nutana Hotel, Fizz Hotel, and Wisma Nusantara – all located in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

The procedure upon the arrival of PMI will be similar to the one previously implemented during the start of COVID-19 pandemic. The only difference is the isolation period, which will now take seven days, from previously 14 days.

The 7-day quarantine is set in accordance with the central government’s latest instruction that requires Indonesians and foreign nationals that want to enter Indonesia to be isolated for 7-day.

This policy, however, doesn’t apply to incoming foreign travelers from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini, Malawi, Angola, Zambia, and Hong Kong because they will be denied entry by Indonesian authorities.

As foreign tourists have previously been allowed to enter Indonesia through Bali and Riau Islands, Swandiasa said Mataram will follow the necessary guidelines from the government to stay in COVID-19’s ‘green zone’.

As for cases, he said reported infections have been low.

“Within two weeks there only has been one case, and it was asymptomatic. There have been no other confirmed cases upon contact tracing conducted by officials.”

On Monday, November 29, the Ministry of Transportation issued a circular letter declaring that travelers from the 11 countries will be denied entry into Indonesia.

“This adjustment is an anticipative measure taken by the Ministry to prevent the transmission of the new COVID-19 variant in Indonesia, by tightening the implementation of health protocols in transportation entry points, including airports, ports, and border posts,” Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi said.

The entry ban will be applicable to foreign travelers who have visited the 11 countries within the past 14 days while Indonesians who have traveled to the countries within the same period must go through 14 days of quarantine.

Meanwhile, all travelers, locals and foreigners, with international traveling history outside of the 11 countries will also have to go through a 7-day quarantine.