JAKARTA: International travellers arriving in Indonesia are subject to strengthened health screening and monitoring at entry points as authorities step up precautionary measures against the potential spread of the Nipah virus.
Head of the Health Quarantine Centre (BBKK) at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Naning Nugrahini, said every traveller would now be required to submit a health declaration before arriving in Indonesia through the Olimnesia platform.
"Whether there is a virus or not, we already have the Olimnesia system. It includes a health declaration, so travellers are asked to provide their health status before arriving in Indonesia as part of efforts to assess their physical condition.
"If there are travellers from affected countries - for example, as cases are currently being widely reported in India - we have the profile of aircraft on direct flights from India to Jakarta and we will assess whether anyone is symptomatic.
"If there is, officers will board the aircraft to conduct further checks,” she said, as reported by Antara News Agency on Tuesday (Jan 27).
Naning said airport authorities had also set up special inspection posts in terminal areas equipped with thermal scanners, while health officers carry out visual checks on passengers.
She said the level of monitoring and screening would be adjusted dynamically in line with the latest developments.
So far, Naning said, no Nipah virus cases had been detected in Indonesia; however, authorities remain on alert.
She said BBKK had also coordinated with animal quarantine authorities to prevent the spread of Nipah virus, which can originate from animals such as bats, monkeys and pigs. - Bernama
