Omicron Threat, PCR Devices Installed at 6 International Check Points

TheIndonesia.id - Six entry points for international travelers have installed Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) devices to detect the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Wiku Adisasmito informed at an online press conference here on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

"Data from the Health Ministry indicates that testing has been conducted in six international arrivals for foreigners where each lab can test 500 to 600 samples per day," he elaborated as quoted by Antara news agency.

The government has also temporarily restricted the entry of international travelers who have visited countries with confirmed cases of Omicron, he noted. These countries comprise South Africa, Botswana, Hong Kong, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, and Lesotho, he said.

Indonesian citizens who have visited these countries in the last 14 days will need to quarantine for 14 days and take the COVID-19 test on the first day and the 13th day of their quarantine, he added.

Foreigners and Indonesian citizens who have visited countries with no confirmed cases of Omicron thus far are being allowed to enter Indonesia, the spokesperson said.

However, they need to quarantine for 10 days and take the COVID-19 test during the first and the ninth day, he added.

Travelers who have to undergo quarantine are being directed to Wisma Atlet Pademangan or Pasar Rumput that has a capacity of 3,700 rooms and to 70 hotels in Indonesia, Adisasmito said.

Hence, there should be enough quarantine space for everyone, he added.

The government is making an exception for foreigners from countries that have a bilateral agreement with Indonesia, diplomatic and service visa holders, and Limited Stay Permit Card (KITAS) and Permanent Stay Permit Card (KITAP) holders, he said.

The government has also allowed entry to ministers and government officials, he added.

"Foreigners who enter through diplomatic agreement scheme do not have to go through the quarantine, but they will be further monitored with a very stringent health protocol," Adisasmito informed.

The Indonesian government will do its best to maintain good relations with other countries while there is a spike in COVID-19 cases in several countries due to the spread of the Omicron variant, he added.

"The Indonesian government believes that there is no other consideration beyond this consideration," he said.

"In this trying time, which unfortunately has gone on for two years, Indonesia believes that all countries should put more emphasis on the effort to help each other," he affirmed.