COVID-19 Task Force: Variant Characteristics AY.4.2 Still Under Research

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for COVID-19 Handling Wiku Adisasmito said the characteristics of the AY.4.2 variant are not a new variant but part of the Delta variant, but its characteristics are still under research.

"Actually, AY is not a new variant, but part of the Delta variant that undergoes additional changes or mutations," said Wiku, quoted by Antara, Thursday, October 28.

Wiku explained that the Delta variant continues to mutate and develop. It is currently reported that mutations of the Delta variant develop from AY.1 to AY.28.

The government has not been able to confirm the characteristics, both in terms of transmission, symptoms, and responses to vaccinations from the mutation of the Delta variant. Currently, the AY virus variant is still in the research stage.

"Therefore, we cannot yet know whether these various types of Delta variants have special characteristics that can affect the rate of transmission, severity of symptoms, and vaccination. Because studies related to this are still ongoing," he said.

However, the government still has to be wary of the Delta variant. As an anticipatory measure, the government maximizes travel quarantine strategies, 5M (wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining distance, avoiding crowds, and reducing mobility), and vaccinations.

In addition, the application of 3T (Testing, Tracing, and Treatment) needs to be tightened in order to prevent transmission of the Delta variant so as to maintain the decline in cases that is currently ongoing.

"In order to prevent the entry of all types of new variants while minimizing the formation of new mutations in the country," he said.