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Indonesia to decide on Wuhan travel warning as death toll rises
Indonesia announced the temporary suspension of all flights operated by Indonesian airlines to and from Wuhan.
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Travelers are checked by security personnel wearing hazardous material suits at the entrance to the underground train station in Beijing on Jan. 24, to help stop the spread of a deadly SARS-like virus that originated in the central city of Wuhan. (AFP/Noel Celis)
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ransportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has said the government will discuss on Monday the issuance of a travel warning from Indonesia to China as the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in the East Asian country rapidly increases.
The minister said he would invite the health minister, foreign minister, tourism and creative industry minister, the immigration director general and the customs and excise director general along with ports and airport operators to the meeting scheduled for Monday afternoon.
“We will talk about issuing a travel warning and imposing temporary restrictions on incoming aircraft or vessels and other necessary steps amid this situation,” he told the press.
Budi went on to say that he had ordered all airports and port operators to heighten inspection of all flights and ships going to or coming from China, as per the President and Home Ministry’s instruction.
“We also instructed all international port and airport officials to wear masks,” he said. “We expect them to keep coordinating with us.”
Wuhan city has been on lockdown since Jan. 23. Following the lockdown, Indonesia announced the temporary suspension of all flights operated by Indonesian airlines to and from Wuhan. Authorities activated thermal scanners at entrance points in Indonesia to detect any symptoms of the virus, such as fever.
As of Monday morning, the viral epidemic has caused 80 deaths in China, with hundreds of new infections despite the local government’s quarantine efforts. (eyc)
