Task Force COVID-19: Variant B1617 Not Found In Indonesia

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Wiku Adisasmito confirmed that the COVID-19 B1617 variant has not been found in the country. This variant was first discovered in India.

"Until now, the B1617 variant was not found in the samples used for whole genome sequencing until April 19, 2021," Wiku said in a press conference broadcast on the BNPB Indonesia YouTube account, Tuesday, April 20.

Although this variant has not been found, the government is still tightening the rules for travelers, especially international trips. This is done by prohibiting foreign citizens and Indonesian citizens (WNI) from entering Indonesian territory, without a negative COVID-19 certificate through the results of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

"To prevent imported cases, which are part of the leveled control of COVID-19 in Indonesia, a ban on the influx of international travelers, both qualified foreigners and Indonesian citizens from abroad, is regulated by Task Force Number 8 of 2021, which is still valid until at this time, "he explained.

Apart from having to bring the PCR results, travelers from abroad must also carry out quarantine in advance for see days.

"The five-day quarantine between the two PCR tests carried out in the country," he concluded.