A spike in COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia has prompted Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia to reintroduce screening for travellers at airports.

In the past week, Indonesia has installed thermal body scanners at Jakarta International Airport and the main ferry line.

The Bali Port Health Office has also implemented thermal checks at three border entry points: Benoa Port, Celuk Bawang, and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, and appealed to travellers to wear masks – particularly if they are feeling unwell.

Should a tourist or foreign national test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival, they will be immediately quarantined in a designated health facility or referral hospital in Bali, according to a circular issued this week by the Ministry of Health.

The Indonesian health authorities have also urged citizens to wear masks, ensure they are fully vaccinated and postpone travel to areas that are reporting a spike in COVID-19 cases.

https://twitter.com/BloombergAU/status/1735242493136920598

Jump in cases in Singapore

In Singapore, COVID cases increased by 10,000 in a single week, jumping from 22,000 to 32,035 in the week ended 2 December, according to the health ministry.

“The increase in cases could be due to a number of factors, including waning population immunity and increased travel and community interactions during the year-end travel and festive season,” said the Ministry of Health. 

“We urge the public to exercise precaution, personal and social responsibility,” said the Singaporean Health Ministry.

“When travelling overseas, stay vigilant and adopt relevant travel precautions, such as wearing a mask at the airport, purchasing travel insurance, and avoiding crowded areas with poor ventilation.”

“Everyone is advised to keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. This includes an additional dose around one year after their last vaccine dose for those aged 60 years and above, medically vulnerable persons, and residents of aged care facilities,” it added.

Meanwhile, cases in Malaysia doubled in a week, jumping from 6,796 cases at the end of November to nearly 13,000 by 9 December, according to the New Strait Times.

Malaysian Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad recommended on Thursday that people wear masks and get a COVID-19 booster if they were elderly or had co-morbidities, according to the Strait Times.

Image Credits: WHO Indonesia.