In Bali, there is concern about a new epidemic. The number of Covid-19 and pneumonia cases is increasing

Residents of Bali and other islands in Indonesia are urged to wear masks again. Representatives of the Republic's Ministry of Health made this request to the population while confirming the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country. As of early December, there have been 200 infections recorded.

The Chairperson of the Covid-19 Targeted Group reminded that the end of the pandemic does not mean the disease no longer exists. Therefore, residents must remain vigilant and wear masks. This is especially important now, on the eve of Christmas and New Year, when the number of tourists is increasing.

In light of this, hospitals have been advised to reopen isolation facilities. The Head of the Bali Provincial Health Office emphasized that at the moment, Covid-19 is considered similar to a common cold.

"We are not saying that Covid-19 does not exist, but at the moment, immunity to it is confirmed in almost 100 percent of those who have been vaccinated. 80 percent of them have received a booster dose of the vaccine. So the symptoms in case of infection are likely to be mild, like with the flu or a cold."

For those who have not received a booster vaccination, representatives of the Bali health department recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

However, Covid-19 is not the only threat. Mycoplasma pneumonia is another respiratory disease that is actively spreading in China, and this country ranks third in the number of travelers coming to Bali. In October alone, 25,148 people arrived from there.

Therefore, those working in the tourism industry in Bali are particularly actively encouraged to wear masks. To prevent the spread of this disease on the island, thermal scanners are being reinstalled at the airport. This equipment will allow for a quick temperature measurement of arriving tourists. This is how potential cases of mycoplasma pneumonia infection are planned to be identified. In the near future, in addition to thermal scanners, medical personnel will start working at airports, monitoring not only travelers' temperatures but also checking them for respiratory disease symptoms.

Those passengers who do not pass the antivirus check will be separated from the others and directed for additional examination. However, there is a nuance. Bali lacks tools to detect mycoplasma pneumonia. This means that a patient who falls under suspicion will have to wait until their analysis samples are taken to Surabaya.

So far, cases of mycoplasma pneumonia have only been registered in Jakarta. There is no confirmed case on Bali. Nevertheless, hospitals are already prepared to admit patients with corresponding symptoms.

All these measures are precautionary. At the moment, the number of cases is not so large as to impact the tourism sector. However, Bali still vividly remembers how the economy collapsed due to the Covid pandemic, so they are keen to avoid a repeat scenario.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is an atypical lung infection caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

The disease is accompanied by a severe and prolonged cough, chest pain is noted, and bronchial obstruction may develop.

The infectivity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is lower than that of the flu, Covid, measles, or chickenpox. It most often affects children.

Sources: cnbcindonesia.com/news/20231208110034-8-495621/kasus-covid-19-indonesia-naik-lagiwarga-diimbau-pakai-maskerbali.tribunnews.com/2023/12/09/jumlah-wisman-china-datang-ke-bali-tempati-urutan-nomor-tiga-covid-19-tidak-memengaruhi-pariwisatanusabali.com/berita/156542/mycoplasma-pneumonia-belum-ditemukan-di-balibalipost.com/news/2023/12/07/377019/Pneumonia-dan-COVID-Alami-Kenaikan...htmlbali.tribunnews.com/2023/12/08/kasus-covid-19-kembali-merebak-kadiskes-bali-kan-sudah-seperti-flu-biasa