Minister Of Health Budi Gunadi: The Number of The Omicron Variant Cases Will Be Very Large But Relatively Mild

JAKARTA - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said a spike in cases due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 would occur. However, he asked the public not to panic because the symptoms are relatively mild.

"The increase in the number of cases will be very fast, there will be a lot but the good thing (symptoms, ed) is that it is relatively mild," Budi said in a video statement quoted on Tuesday, January 12.

Budi then explained that based on existing research, only 30-40 percent of patients with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 entered the hospital. So, people still have to be vigilant but not panic.

"We remain vigilant and careful, we must be alert, but there is no need to panic because the number of cases entering the hospital will be much lower than the previous case during the Delta wave," said the former Deputy Minister of SOEs.

Not only that, but Budi also reminded the public to do a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test if they feel unwell. This is to prevent the spread of the virus in the community.

"Testing. If you don't feel well, don't hesitate to do a PCR test. We will immediately increase the PCR reagent that can detect Omicron," he said.

"Then if we are sick, it is better for us to isolate. Because Omicron is generally mild, we will prepare a treatment strategy, not in a hospital but a treatment strategy that is more self-isolated at home or centralized isolation," concluded Budi.