Omicron Variant Athlete's Home Athlete Officer, Epidemiologist Asks One Building To Be Thoroughly Tested

JAKARTA - Epidemiologist from Australia's Griffith University, Dicky Budiman, asked the Ministry of Health to carry out a thorough investigation and testing of patients who are currently quarantined at Wisma Atlet. This step needs to be taken to prevent massive transmission.

The request was conveyed by Dicky after a janitor at Wisma Atlet was tested positive for COVID-19, the Omicron variant.

"Test all, carry out the investigation, including making sure the people who had contact with them are tested and quarantined. That is what must be done", said Dicky in a statement received by VOI, Thursday, December 16.

Dicky asked the Ministry of Health to find out how the transmission process caused a janitor to be exposed to the Omicron variant. "Because if you don't find it, this is a question. Where did this come from", he said.

"It means, if it was detected a week ago, it had to be searched a week ago in the building that he serves, it must be traced and tracked", added Dicky.

In addition, he also asked that all residents of the Wisma Atlet where the transmission of the Omicron variant occurred, must have an extended quarantine period. The additional time is solely done to prevent the transmission of the new variant in the community.

Moreover, the Omicron variant has a fast time in the transmission process. "To prevent this from spreading everywhere, of course, one building will be added to the quarantine for seven days. Including the staff", said Dicky.

Previously reported, Health Minister, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, announced the first case of the Omicron variant. Was a cleaning officer at Wisma Atlet who tested positive for COVID-19 on December 8, 2021.

Initially, three people were tested. However, two of them were not confirmed to have COVID-19 Omicron and only the officer was exposed.

Currently, the three people are being quarantined at the Wisma Atlet and are not experiencing any symptoms even though they have tested positive for COVID-19. Furthermore, a second PCR test has also been carried out on those whose results have been negative.