There Are Many COVID-19 Cases In Neighboring Countries, The Government Is Asked To Increase New Supervision And Variants

The use of masks can reduce the chance of contracting the virus that causes COVID-19. (ANTARA PHOTO/Aswaddy Hamid.)

JAKARTA - The surge in COVID-19 cases that occurred in several neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia has returned to serious attention. This condition has sparked concerns about the potential for the spread of cross-border viruses, especially with the high mobility of people in the Southeast Asia region.

Responding to the situation, the Chairman of the Honorary Council of the Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI), Prof. Tjandra Yoga Aditama, reminded the importance of strengthening the domestic monitoring system for COVID-19 cases.

In a written statement, Wednesday, he advised the government to increase epidemiological surveillance so that data related to the number of cases, deaths, and patient conditions in health care facilities can be accurately updated.

In addition, Prof. Tjandra emphasized the need to monitor virus variants through genomic surveillance. Information about variants or subvariants that are currently circulating is very important to communicate to the public so that prevention steps can be more targeted.

"The government can take advantage of cooperation with ASEAN and WHO to track the development of the virus, both domestically and regionally," he said, as quoted by ANTARA, June 4.

He reminded that even though the pandemic has subsided, the coronavirus still exists and has the potential to cause a new wave of infections if it is not anticipated.

"COVID-19 cases are still happening in various countries, including Indonesia. We need to remain vigilant, without having to cause panic," he added.

As a precautionary measure, vaccination is still recommended, especially for vulnerable groups who have a history of comorbidities or the elderly. Prof. Tjandra said booster vaccines could be given a year after the last vaccination as additional protection.

He also highlighted the importance of living a clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS) to strengthen the immune system. Maintain cleanliness, consumption of nutritious food, exercise, and adequate rest, he said, not only helps fight COVID-19, but also protects the body from various other diseases.