Coronavirus: tourists returning to Bali in July?

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In Indonesia, the survival of the economy has always been linked to the management of the health crisis linked to Covid-19. The fourth most populous country in the world has never set up general containment which, according to the president, would have wreaked more havoc than anything else. And it is today the island of Bali which announces floor on a return of tourists for July.

Publicity

With our correspondent in Kuala Lumpur, Gabrielle Maréchaux

It is an island paradise that has become almost deserted since the beginning of the epidemic. Bali received more travelers last year than it had inhabitants: tourist attendance is capital for its economy but which has fallen by 64% since January 2020.

However, on the island itself, favored by its small size and its insularity, the virus has not become a pest, assure the authorities which claim only four deaths and recall that all the cases of coronavirus were imported.

Airport tests

Optimistic and aware that half of the Balinese live on tourism, a government official said that travelers could return by July, provided they get tested at the airport.

More critical, scientific observers are wary of the Balinese results, recalling the limited number of tests carried out, but also the resurgence of dengue since the beginning of 2020, with twice as many cases as last year. However, this tropical disease has symptoms very similar to those of the coronavirus , and confusion between the two conditions remains possible, even after certain tests.

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• Indonesia
• Tourism
• Coronavirus
• Economy

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