The Difference Between Singapore and Indonesia in Anticipating Covid-19 Variant Omicron

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

Not finished yet Covid-19 hit, the world is now back shaken by corona virus a new variant called B.1.1.529 or varian Omicron.

Dozens of countries, including Indonesia and Singapore, immediately implemented various restrictive policies to prevent the spread of the new variant which was first identified in Botswana.

Currently, Indonesia and Singapore have not detected the appearance of the Omicron variant in their respective countries.

Following are the different strategies of Indonesia and Singapore to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant.

Indonesia

The Directorate General of Immigration of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia immediately implemented an entry ban for immigrants from eight African countries on Sunday (28/11). The eight countries include South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini and Nigeria.

The Indonesian government has also temporarily provided limited stay visas for citizens of these 8 countries. However, this policy does not apply to the delegation of G20 countries that will come to Indonesia.

The government also extended the quarantine period for people from abroad to 7 days from the previous 3 days.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the regulation applies to Indonesian citizens (WNI) and foreign nationals (WNA). The rules take effect from Monday (29/11).

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transportation has also stated that it has implemented land travel restrictions for Indonesian citizens and migrant workers who will return to Indonesia by reducing the number of entry gates to Indonesia.

Meanwhile, migrant workers must also carry out four stages of examination before returning home. First, the rapid antigen test. Second, checking documents, identity, and luggage (CIQ) of travelers in accordance with the provisions of the legislation.

Third, determining the required quarantine place. Fourth, carry out an RT-PCR test one day after international travelers arrive at the quarantine location.

Singapore is one step ahead of the Omicron variant, read on the next page >>>