Passenger ships from outside NTT still banned entry

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The Provincial Government of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has upheld the ban on passenger ships entering and operating in the province to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"Passenger transport ships from outside the NTT area are not allowed to enter or are prohibited from entering," Head of the NTT Transportation Office Isyak Nusa stated here on Thursday.

This statement was made in connection with the re-extension of restrictions on air, sea, and ferry services in the NTT area amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nusa noted that so far, several passenger ships had arrived from areas outside NTT that had high number of COVID-19 cases or were designated as red zones.

Hence, the government has banned their entry into the province.

However, his side has allowed the continuation of sea and ferry transportation services for passengers within the NTT area.

"Ships within the NTT area will continue to operate, but the passengers will be mandated to show the result of a COVID-19 antigen test that proves they are disease-free," he remarked.

However, the government yet does not necessitate passengers to show a vaccine card, he noted.

Furthermore, Nusa remarked that only goods or cargo ships carrying basic necessities were allowed to enter the NTT area on grounds that the ship's crew show a vaccine card and prove that they are disease-free by showing a rapid antigen test result.

Moreover, upon arrival in Kupang, the ship's crew are required to again undergo a rapid antigen test to ensure they are disease-free.

Nusa stated that the regulation will be valid until August 8, 2021. He is optimistic that all passenger ship operators, cargo ships, and the public would follow the rules for the sake of everyone's safety.

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