Image taken from The Star
According to The Jakarta Post, travelers from both nations must now fill out a health pass three days prior to their arrival on the island, detailing their current health status and any symptoms they may be experiencing, such as a fever, cold, or flu.
Anak Agung Ngurah Kesumajaya, the head of Denpasar KKP, stated on Monday that flights from China and Malaysia are being closely examined.
According to detikBali, he stated, “Airlines from these countries need special attention, though we have yet to implement health protocols,”
Chinese tourists continue to be among the most popular foreign visitors to Bali, which Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Asia’s most beautiful island in its 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.
According to reports dated January 2, there was an outbreak of HMPV-caused pneumonia in China. With its rapid spread and symptoms resembling those of Covid and influenza, the virus has sparked worries about yet another health emergency.
China is currently experiencing winter, which is when respiratory diseases typically rise. The primary pathogens are HMPV, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in youngsters, and seasonal influenza viruses.
The current infection levels, however, are normal for the season and do not represent an exceptional public health incident, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on January 4.
According to The Straits Times, Malaysia experienced 327 HMPV infection cases in 2024, a 45% increase from the 225 cases in 2023.
Margaret Harris, a World Health Organization (WHO) spokesman, stated during a news briefing on Tuesday that “human metapneumovirus is not a new virus.”
It has long been present in the human population, having been discovered for the first time in 2001. It is a widespread virus that manifests in the spring and winter.
According to Harris, China’s respiratory illnesses are currently falling within typical seasonal levels.
