"Generally, we are implementing a new health protocol according to the Ministry of Health Circular Letter number 313/2020," Batam city secretary, Jefriden, said here on Wednesday.
As per the circular, all foreigners and Indonesian nationals who enter Batam must present a health certificate and results of the examination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), declaring they have tested negative for COVID-19.
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Achmad Farchanny, head of the Batam Class 1 Port Health Office, explained that if Indonesian citizens enter Batam without bringing a health certificate and negative results document from the PCR test, a quick test will be conducted.
If the rapid test results show non-reactive results, Indonesian citizens will have to undergo centralized quarantine for 7 to 10 days, until the second rapid test is performed.
"If the second test is non-reactive, then they would be allowed to go home and carry out independent quarantine at home," he continued.
As for foreign nationals, if they do not meet the conditions and do not have the necessary documents, they will be denied entry through Batam and be asked to return to their country of origin, he informed.
"Health certificates and PCR results must be issued by the country of origin. For example, if there is an Indonesian citizen returning from Malaysia, then the health certificate (should be issued) from Malaysia," he said.
The documents issued also have a validity of seven days, beyond which, they will be considered invalid. “Except for ship crews from abroad," he added.
Meanwhile, he said, up until now, foreigners are still entering Indonesia through Batam. "They cannot be prevented from coming, so we need this protocol," he remarked.
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Translator: Yuniati Naim/Aria Cindyara
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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