We will do PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and antigen test periodically to ensure the safety and comfort of IBF participants
Bali (ANTARA) - The organizing committee of the Indonesia Badminton Festival (IBF) held in Bali have collected some 6,233 samples for COVID-19 testing in the bubble area of the festival in 21 days.

The sample collection took place from 11th November to 1st December, 2021.

"We will do PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and antigen test periodically to ensure the safety and comfort of IBF participants," Deputy Chairman of IBF 2021 organizer Armand Darmadji said in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday.

During the process, this year's IBF organizer collaborated with a private laboratory responsible for collecting and testing samples of all participants inside the bubble area, such as athletes, officials, hotel staff, security officers, supporting personnel and the media.

Considering the importance of the agenda, the IBF organizer not only collected samples but also conducted direct testing in a newly-built laboratory in Bali.

“The existence of this laboratory facilitates the testing and monitoring process of athletes and participants. The hope is all activities during the tournament would run smoothly,” Darmadji explained.

Darmadji believes the number of samples will increase because IBF 2021 will run until 5th December, and the last tournament, the BWF World Tour Finals (WTF), will be held this week.

Meanwhile, on the first day of WTF, Wednesday, Dec 1 in Bali, the organizer has collected 3,713 samples - 3,427 for PCR test and 2,806 for antigen test.

“In the implementation of the IBF bubble, antigen tests are done once every two days, while PCR tests are done every interval or change of tournament, as well as during the arrival and departure of participants,” said IBF 2021 Coordinator of Medical Staff and Swab Test Mita Kusumawati.

Until IBF's fourth week, the organizer ensured all PCR and antigen tests in the bubble went well. All samples taken were directly sent to the laboratory in the Benoa area of Bali.

The pharmaceutical company hopes its presence in IBF 2021 can help implement the health protocol program in Bali, where its tourism sector is starting to thrive again.

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Translator: Roy B, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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