Indonesia to ban foreigners' entry, transit over coronavirus pandemic
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Topics: INDONESIA BAN CORONAVIRUS
President Joko Widodo has decided that the current, existing policy to ban the entry of foreigners from only certain countries "needs to be strengthened," the minister told reporters after the president held a videoconference with a limited number of Cabinet officials.
The minister said exceptions will be made to those holding limited or permanent residency, and diplomats and other officials with valid permits, even though they will still be subject to health screening protocols.
No specific date was given for the envisioned entry ban. The government intends to issue a ministerial regulation on it soon.
Indonesia has been struggling to contain the spread of the respiratory disease known as COVID-19, with 1,414 people having tested positive for the virus as of Monday, with 122 fatalities. ■