On Tuesday, 07 September 2021, Bali Governor Wayan Koster issued Circular Memorandum Number 15 of 2021 addressing opening hours and maximum permissible carrying capacity at Bali shopping malls and commercial centers. The latest instructions allow the businesses to open until 9:00 pm WITA and operate at 50% of their normal guest capacity. The Governor’s instructions also require the screening of all visitors and employees entering these places of business, the use of the PeduliLindungi Mobile Application, and strict adherence to health protocols on wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing.
People who are “fully vaccinated” – having received both the first and second COVID-19 injections, will be permitted to enter shopping malls and commercial centers. Restaurants and dining establishments are allowed to serve takeaway or serve in-house diners to a maximum of 25% of their standard seating capacity. Dining time is limited to 30 minutes.
Theaters, children’s play areas, and entertainment venues within the shopping malls must remain closed.
People considered by the Government most at risk of infection are excluded from visiting malls and tourist attractions until further notice. The groups barred entry include pregnant women, children under the age of 12 years, and people over 70.
Memorandum Number 15/2021 also permits the opening on a trial basis of tourist attractions, nature spots, cultural sites, spiritual objects, and tourism villages (Desa Wisata) to a maximum capacity of 50%. Conformity to existing health protocols and the use of the PeduliLindungi smartphone application also applies.
The limited reopening of shopping areas is happening while the Government has relaxed COVID-19 screening for air travelers who have received partial or full vaccination against the coronavirus. (See link below.)
In Bali’s capital of Denpasar, seven malls were closed during the emergency PPKM shutdown measures and are expected to reopen following the Governor’s latest instructions. The affected malls expected to reopen now are:
- Level 21
- Plaza Renon
- Ramayana
- Tiara Dewata
- Duta Plaza
- Trans Studio
- Carrefour.
The head of protocol and communications for the Denpasar City Administration announced the seven malls would be required to enforce the use of the smartphone application PeduliLindungi and strictly follow existing health protocols on the use of face masks and personal hygiene, and physical distancing.
