Government of the Taban Regency in Bali is determined to close tourist attractions and other public spaces in the region on New Year’s eve in an effort to anticipate the spread of COVID-19.

“On New Year’s Eve, Tabanan government will block access to public spaces and fields for tourists and Balinese residents,” said the Tabanan Regional COVID-19 Task Force secretary Gede Susila in a written statement on Friday, December 17, 2021.

Gede said that the three public open spaces to be off-limits include Bung Karno Park, Lapangan Alit, and Lapangan Debes. “The closure will take effect for two days starting December 31, 2021, until January 1, 2022. This aims at preventing virus transmission,” he explained.

According to Gede Susila, the COVID-19 trend in the regency has been decreasing to date. The local government thus hoped the improving situation would boost the tourist visits.

“I appeal to local task forces to prevent clusters of COVID-19 infection in tourist sites and ensure the massive use of the PeduliLindungi app,” he added.

Gede also said the local government would be ready to take precautions by encouraging COVID-19 vaccination and implementation of health protocols to prevent cases of Omicron variant. (ANT)