PKS Party Politician: Don't Just Worry About Omicron's Emergence, While People Are Not Notified Of Mitigation Steps

JAKARTA - Three cases of the Omicron variant have been found in Indonesia. Meanwhile, there are also three Chinese foreigners who are declared probable Omicron found during transit in Manado.

Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Netty Prasetiyani Aher reminded the government to immediately limit the access of travelers from abroad to Indonesia to prevent transmission of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

"Restrict and tighten access to incoming travelers from abroad. Perform PCR tests, isolation and quarantine strictly. Make sure travelers who come to Indonesia undergo comprehensive health protocols," said Netty to reporters, Monday, December 20.

Moreover, the health commission member continued, the Omicron variant has entered Indonesia. Where the first case was found in a COVID-19 patient with the initials N who is a janitor at Wisma Atlet Jakarta.

"In addition, three Chinese foreign workers who transited in Manado were also declared as probable Omicron variants," said Netty.

According to her, the Omicron case at Wisma Atlet should be a signal that someone has infected the cleaning staff. Either at the location or in the neighborhood around the place of residence in question.

The PKS Party politician also urged the government to immediately carry out tracing to trace its spread. "Don't let us be fooled because virus carriers are free to roam in the community," said Netty.

The West Java legislator also encouraged the government to educate the public regarding the symptoms and characteristics of the Omicron variant. And so that the public immediately reports to the authorities if they find cases in the field.

"Don't just make a fuss about the entry of Omicron, while the public is not told how to take mitigation steps," she said.

In addition, continued Netty, the government must improve the readiness of domestic health facilities and infrastructure. Including medicine, human resources, support staff and so on in anticipation of a spike in cases.

"We don't expect Omicron cases to increase, but being prepared to deal with it is mandatory. Apart from increasing the readiness of health facilities, the vaccination rate must also be increased, including ensuring that vaccine procurement and distribution are proportional to areas," said Netty.

Moreover, said Netty, in the past few weeks, the rate of vaccination has actually decreased. He also questioned the vaccine program for children 6 to 11 years and also the booster vaccine. "How can it work well if the vaccine procurement mechanism is not yet clear? Don't let us run out of vaccine stock in the middle of the road," explained Netty.

Netty also asked the COVID-19 Task Force not to slack off, inviting public participation in maintaining health protocol discipline. Because he said, the war against COVID-19 can only be won with optimal participation and collaboration of all parties, especially the community, in maintaining health care discipline wherever they are.

"Don't let people feel that the pandemic is over and the euphoria to quench their thirst is gathered by ignoring the health protocols (prokes)," said Netty.