Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Batam Health Office have raised COVID-19 alert levels due to a sharp rise in cases in neighboring Singapore as it is intensifying surveillance efforts, especially at cross-border entry points.

"We can track disease trends quickly and anticipate potential outbreaks,” said Batam Health Office Head Didi Kusmarjadi on Friday (30/5/2025), saying it is based on the Early Warning and Response System (SKDR) now being used to monitor infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

While strict entry screening is no longer in place, officials continue urging residents to follow health protocols, such as mask-wearing when symptomatic, maintaining distance, and frequent handwashing, as reported by antara news.com. 

Didi emphasized Batam’s proximity to Singapore and its busy ports as reasons for sustained caution.

Community education is also being ramped up through local health centers. Although no significant case surge has been reported, authorities are reviewing booster shot coverage, which has declined. These efforts follow a health ministry circular warning of rising cases and the spread of the JN.1 variant across Asia.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)