Omicron Variant Detected In Indonesia, Erick Thohir Asks People To Be Alert And Maintain Health Protocols

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir appealed to the Indonesian people to be vigilant and maintain health protocols (prokes). This appeal is to deal with the Omicron COVID-19 virus which has been detected in Indonesia.

"It is confirmed that the Omicron variant of COVID has entered Indonesia. The public is advised to remain vigilant and maintain the progress. Hopefully we are all given health and best wishes by Allah SWT," Erick wrote, quoted from his official Twitter account @erickthohir, Thursday, December 16.

The new variant of COVID-19, Omicron, was declared to have entered Indonesia after one of the cleaners at Wisma Atlet was confirmed positive for the virus from South Africa.

Previously reported, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) asked all parties without exception to refrain from traveling abroad. This was conveyed after the entry of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 into the country.

He conveyed this appeal not only to the public but also to officials. Jokowi said all parties must hold back until the atmosphere is more conducive.

"I ask all citizens and state officials to refrain from traveling abroad. At least until the situation subsides," Jokowi said in a video caption that was shown on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube, Thursday, December 16.

In addition, Jokowi also said the Omicron variant was unavoidable. Moreover, this type of mutation transmission occurs very quickly. Jokowi asked all to move together so that the Omicron variant does not spread in the country.

"We must try to keep the situation in Indonesia good. We keep the number of active cases low, we monitor the transmission rate to stay below 1 and don't let it spike again," he stressed.

Jokowi also asked the public not to panic even though they must remain vigilant. He conveyed this request because so far the Omicron variant has not shown a dangerous character for infected patients, including patients who have been vaccinated.