Of The 12 Samples, 9 Residents Of North Kalimantan Are Positive For COVID-19 Variant Omicron

TARAKAN - Nine residents in North Kalimantan Province from the examination of samples at the Health Research and Development Agency (Litbangkes) were found to be positive for COVID-19, the Omicron variant.

"The results of sending 12 samples for WGS (Whole Genome Sequencing) testing to Litbangkes on February 4, 2022, found nine positive samples of Omicron BA.1," said spokesman for the North Kalimantan COVID-19 Task Force, Agust Suwandy in Tanjung Selor, Bulungan. , reported by Antara, Thursday, February 24.

He said that of the 12 samples, seven were from Bulungan and five from Tarakan.

After being examined at Litbangkes on February 18, 2022, nine of the 12 samples found positive Omicron BA.1 samples, five samples from Bulungan and four samples from Tarakan.

"There are three other samples that we are still confirming whether they are negative Omicron or do not meet the WGS requirements," said Agust.

He said that the Omicron positive patient with a history of five patients were travelers from outside Kaltara, two suspects and two close contacts.

Currently, all patients who have confirmed Omicron, have passed the isolation period of more than 10 days and have been declared cured. Some of them have mild symptoms and some are asymptomatic. Agust appealed to the Regency and City Governments to further increase the 3T (testing, tracing and treatment), so that cases do not expand.

In addition, to supervise patients undergoing isolation, especially for those who carry out isomanism.

On the other hand, it is necessary to tighten the implementation of 5M, so that the local Task Force can increase supervision and control.

"And strive for higher vaccination achievements for all targets, especially dose two, which is still a big difference from dose one and booster," said Agust.