Reminding Extra Surveillance Against Omicron Variants, Mrs. Maharani: Quarantine Rules Cannot Be Just On Paper

JAKARTA - The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani reminded the government to tighten supervision over the implementation of new quarantine rules in Indonesia in anticipation of the entry of the new variant of the COVID-19 virus, Omicron. According to her, this extra tight supervision needs to be carried out as a step to mitigate the spread of the Omicron variant to the country.

“Tighten the supervision of quarantine rules for travelers from abroad, considering that the Omicron case has occurred in a number of countries outside Africa. Quarantine tightening also needs to be carried out for all suspects as an effort for early detection and prevention of the entry of a new variant of Corona in Indonesia," said Puan Maharani in her statement in Jakarta, Tuesday, November 30. It is known that variant B.1.1529 or Omicron was first discovered in Botswana, Africa. South. However, now a number of African countries and Hong Kong are starting to report finding cases of this variant.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture admitted that she supports the government's policy of temporarily closing the entrance for foreigners who have a history of travel from these countries. As well as increasing the duration of quarantine for foreigners from outside the country, including Indonesian citizens who want to return to their homeland. However, Puan reminded that the implementation of quarantine is not just black and white.

"Quarantine rules should not only be good on paper, but must be implemented," said Puan. "Extra supervision is needed to avoid imported cases. We don't want Indonesia's condition, which has improved, to worsen again due to a lack of mitigation," she added.

Puan requested that the Indonesian government continue to coordinate and synergize with international stakeholders, including WHO. To improve understanding of Omicron, especially about how to control it.

"Although Omicron is not yet known whether it is more dangerous than the Delta variant, Indonesia must be prepared. Monitoring the risk of this variant should have been done," said Puan.

Puan warned that the second wave of cases in the middle of last year due to the Delta variant would not repeat itself.

"Indonesia is now better, don't concede again like in the middle of last year. Hospitals were full, medicine was difficult, oxygen supply was lacking, and many victims died. I feel sorry for the tired health workers," she said.