B117 Virus Weak Ahead Of COVID-17?

JAKARTA - In recent days, Indonesia has been worried about the emergence of a new variant of the Coronavirus B117. The British virus was found in two cases that infected residents of Karawang, West Java.

After one week, the Government announced again that the B117 variant had been found in 4 provinces.

One case in Palembang, South Sumatra, on January 11. One case in South Kalimantan on January 6. One case in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on February 12. And, one case in Medan, North Sumatra, on January 28.

Personal Protection from Virus New Variant B117

Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, Director of Contagious Disease Control and Prevention, stated that there was no evidence that the Corona B117 variant is more virulent than the previous dominant variant or COVID-19.

"From research in other countries, this variant is said to be more infectious but not deadly", Nadia said in a press conference, Monday, March 8.

However, precautions still need to be taken to protect yourself from this B117 variant virus. Even with the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine, it will take quite a while to vaccinate the millions of people at risk.

Then how do you protect yourself from the new variant of COVID-19 so you don't get exposed?

First, use two layers of masks. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said wearing a double-layer mask is recommended to reduce the risk of infection, especially if you are in a high-risk area or place of a transmission.

Second, be diligent in cleaning your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It could also be a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Third, join a vaccination program as an effort that will help prevent recurring spikes in the virus. This will also help achieve closer herd immunity, and even reduce the severity of the infection.

Fourth, reduce gathering activities. Efforts to practice social distancing must also be followed wisely, whenever leaving the house. Avoid meeting many people at one time during this pandemic.

The development of the B117 variant virus cases in Indonesia

Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, Director of Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases, revealed that the four new cases found in 4 provinces initially experienced mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.

One of them needs to be hospitalized but the symptoms of COVID-19 experienced by the Corona B117 case are also quite mild. According to Dr. Nadia, the condition of the four cases of Corona B117 has been declared cured and negative for COVID-19.

"The four cases with the Corona B117 variant are now cured and have undergone treatment and management because at the beginning of the PCR they tested positive", explained Nadia.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 Handling Task Force stated that the case of a new variant of the virus from England that was found in Indonesia had been resolved. In fact, the government has carried out tracing of people who are in close contact with the patient.

"The suspects have now recovered and are still being monitored by the regional health office", said Wiku Adisasmito, spokesman for the COVID-19 Task Force in an online press conference in Jakarta, Monday, March 8.

Wiku ensures that the government will carry out a strict screening of Indonesian citizens who enter Indonesia so that the Coronavirus variant B117 no longer enters Indonesia.