Bali Steps Up Mpox Screening for Tourists: Download the SatuSehat App Before You Arrive

Bali is tightening its Mpox screening process for all international arrivals into I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. The new measures, including a mandatory health app download, are a response to the recent surge in Mpox cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In the last few weeks, Indonesia has introduced new screening measures, including arrival forms and thermal imaging cameras. Now, Tourists must download the Ministry of Health’s smartphone app, SatuSehat, before they travel to Bali.

The SatuSehat app, which means “one health” in Indonesian, is the same government health monitoring app that was used in the months following the reopening of borders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The app is available in English and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Store for Android users.

Why the New Mpox Screening Measures?

The new Mpox screening measures are part of a broader effort by the Indonesian government to prevent the spread of the virus. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that all international arrivals at all Indonesian airports will be required to fill in a questionnaire form to be submitted at their arrivals terminal.

This was in response to statements issued by the World Health Organisation that declared recent outbreaks of Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern.

On the 21st of August, the General Manager of Bali Airport, Handy Heryudhitiawan, confirmed that he had instructed biosecurity teams to install thermal imaging cameras at the arrivals terminals at Bali Airport to help detect any passengers with high temperatures, a possible early symptom of Mpox.

The IAF 2024

The Mpox screening measures for tourists visiting Bali are being implemented particularly quickly since the province is preparing to host the Indonesia-Africa Forum 2024 from the 1st to the 3rd of September. The forum is expected to attract around 855 participants from various countries, including many from Africa, where the Mpox virus is currently spreading rapidly.

In a separate statement, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, explained that the health screening measures are a method of ensuring everything continues to run smoothly for tourists and local communities in the province.

“We and the Health Quarantine Center have determined the screening scenario, starting from the placement of screening tools, the PCR (swab test) room, and questionnaires to the process of referring to hospitals,” Harbuwono said. “After the scenario that we applied and tried to simulate today, we have determined the place where the swab test will be carried out, where the thermal scanner will be installed, and where the questionnaire is so that all can be identified correctly and not disturb other passengers.”

A Proactive Approach

The Indonesian government is taking a proactive approach to the threat of Mpox. In addition to the new screening measures, the government has also ordered nearly 2,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine from Denmark. The government is also working to raise public awareness about the virus and how to prevent its spread.

The WHO has declared a Health Emergency of International Concern following the rapid spread of the illness. Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It comes from the same family as smallpox. Symptoms include fever and a rash, which tend to affect the anal and genital areas, chest and back, face and head, and hands and feet.

What Tourists Need to Know

Tourists travelling to Bali should be aware of the new Mpox screening measures and ensure they download the SatuSehat app before they travel. They should also be aware of the symptoms of Mpox and take steps to protect themselves from infection.

Tourists should also be aware of the following:

• If a traveller becomes ill within 21 days after traveling abroad, or came from endemic and affected countries or area, they should immediately seek treatment from the nearest health facility and present this health pass.

• The SatuSehat app is an electronic self-declaration form and can be filled out online before checking in for your flight.

• After completing the form, visitors will be given a barcode which Indonesian authorities will scan on arrival.

• Anyone who has Mpox symptoms may be referred to a hospital for treatment on arrival.

The Indonesian government is committed to protecting its citizens and visitors from the threat of Mpox. The new screening measures are a vital part of this effort. By working together, we can help to prevent the spread of this virus.