Omicron Detected In East Java, Madiun City Government Immediately Prepares Referral Hospital

MADIUN - The Madiun City Government has alerted a number of referral hospitals (RS) to anticipate the transmission of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 which has been detected in the East Java region.

Head of the Madiun City Health, Population Control and Family Planning Agency (Dinkes-PPKB), Dr Denik Wuryani said, there were several referral hospitals that were still on alert, even though the spread of COVID-19 had decreased drastically.

"A number of hospitals are always on alert, including the Madiun City Hospital, Dr. Soedono Hospital, RSI, and a field hospital at the Hajj guesthouse," he said in Madiun, Antara, Monday, January 3.

For field hospitals, he said, 140 beds were provided, including quarantine facilities for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) returning to Madiun City. In addition, medical personnel and other supporting facilities were also alerted.

"Alhamdulillah, so far no one has been treated. Even so, we are still on standby," he said.

He explained that the characteristic of the Omicron variant is that it is more contagious. His party said there was no other way to stem Omicron, other than the discipline of health protocols, such as wearing masks and limiting mobility, both at home and abroad.

"Regardless of the type of virus, the antidote is still disciplined with health protocols," he said.

In addition, vaccination efforts also continue to be expanded as an effort to prevent Omicron. The vaccination achievement in the city has exceeded the target. Overall the first dose reached 105 percent and the second dose 87 percent. While vaccination for the elderly (elderly) is 73 percent for the first dose and 69 percent for the second dose.

"Hopefully, communal immunity will not only apply to one area, but also in the agglomeration area or the ex-Madiun Residency," he said.

Denik added that the acceleration of vaccination also targets children aged 6-11 years. Not all regions can carry out this vaccination. The stipulation is for areas with at least 70 percent of vaccination achievements, and at least 60 percent of elderly people.

He added that vaccination of children 6-11 years old in Madiun City is still ongoing. The achievement is around 40 percent for the first dose of a total target of 15,657 children.

Denik emphasized that new variants can only be prevented by disciplined health protocols. Therefore, he asked all residents to continue to improve their discipline in carrying out health protocols, plus consuming nutritious food and vaccinations.

It was recorded, overall in Madiun City, confirmed cases of COVID-19 until Monday reached 7,271 people. Of that number, 6,759 people have recovered, one person is under treatment and 511 people have died.