COVID-19 Task Force Presents 4 Keys To Mitigation Of Omicron Variants In Indonesia

COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito (Photo: BNPB Public Relations)

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, stated four key mitigation steps for the new variant of Omicron (B.1.1.529) in the country ahead of Christmas and the 2022 New Year.

"The key to this anticipation is first to review the restrictions on state entrances," said Wiku Adisasmito when delivering a press statement on the Development of COVID-19 Handling in Indonesia, which was followed by the BNPB YouTube in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Tuesday, November 30.

Wiku said that temporary restrictions on the entry of international travelers were not the same as prohibiting the entry of citizens who have citizenship in these countries.

Temporary restrictions are imposed on international travelers of any nationality who live or have a history of stopping in countries affected by various policies implemented by various countries in the world.

Regarding this situation, said Wiku, Indonesia also needs to be aware of and anticipate the entry of the Omicron variant from international travelers.

The second mitigation, said Wiku, is to improve whole genome sequencing (WGS) to detect the presence of omicron variants that have the potential to infect citizens.

The third mitigation is to ensure that community mobility is carried out safely. Fourth, passively testing and tracing, especially for overseas travelers, Wiku added.

"The implementation of our health protocols must also continue, especially as we will soon enter the Christmas and New Year period, where community activities have the potential to increase which also increases the potential for transmission," he said.

Although until now positive cases in Indonesia are still showing an improving situation, said Wiku, the public should not be careless.

"Because we learn from the delta variant during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period, if it is not properly prepared and allowed to spread widely in the community, the mobility of the community is high, especially if we are not disciplined in implementing health protocols, then this variant can increase the number of COVID-19 cases again," he said,".