The Omicron Variant Of COVID-19, The Quarantine Of Travel From Overseas Is Extended To 7 Days

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JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the government had extended the quarantine duration for travelers from abroad to 7 days.

Previously, the duration of quarantine for international travel to Indonesia was 3x24 hours. This is intended to prevent the entry of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529 or Omicron.

However, this quarantine does not apply to 11 countries that are prohibited from entering Indonesia. These countries are South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini, Malawi, Angola, Zambia and Hong Kong.

"The government will increase the quarantine time for foreigners and Indonesian citizens from abroad outside the countries listed to 7 days from the previous 3 days," Luhut said in a virtual press conference, Sunday, November 28.

For the 11 countries in question, the ban on entry to Indonesia is valid for 14 days. The no-entry policy and extension of quarantine duration outside 11 countries will take effect from November 29, 2021.

"Therefore, the steps for tightening borders and arrivals from abroad have been taken by the government as a precautionary measure to prevent or hinder this variant of Omicron from entering Indonesia," said Luhut.

In addition to tightening arrivals from abroad, Luhut said the government would continue to encourage discipline in health protocols and the use of PeduliLindung for various relaxations of community activities that have been opened.

"In addition to the discipline of health protocols, the government also continues to encourage the acceleration of vaccination, especially for the elderly. Given that they are one of the most vulnerable groups affected by COVID-19," he explained.

For information, the Minister of Health of South Africa (South Africa) on November 25 announced the discovery of a variant of the new corona virus, B.1.1.529. The virus is suspected to be the cause of the skyrocketing COVID-19 cases in South Africa this month.

This new variant of the coronavirus was first identified in Botswana this month. Currently, the Omicron variant has expanded to a number of countries. A total of 13 countries have announced that they have detected (confirmed and probable cases) this Omicron variant in their country.

Starting from South Africa and Botswana, this omicron variant has been found in Germany, Belgium, England, Israel, Australia and Hong Kong. Looking at the distribution of these countries, we cannot rule out the possibility that this omicron variant has spread to more countries.