No Omicron Variant Found In Central Java, Ganjar: Alhamdulillah, Test Results Still Delta

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo confirmed that the WHO has not found a new variant of COVID-19 in Central Java, which has been given the name Omicron.

"I ask that every time we take a sample, we immediately bring the sample to be tested with the whole genine sequencing test. Why is it important, because this can be an early detection. Alhamdulillah, until the end of yesterday the test results of all variants found were still delta, the new ones had not been found," said Ganjar when met at the Central Java Governor's Office, Monday, November 29.

Ganjar explained that the Central Java Provincial Health Office was given instructions not to stop taking random samples to be tested for whole genine sequencing.

"We already have our own tools, we bought them ourselves. So I ask for samples to be taken randomly and continuously. We can't stop, so hopefully later we can help detect (new variants) early," he explained.

Ganjar also appreciated the central government for taking preventive measures. For example, not receiving guests, friends, and maybe family from certain regions or countries where there are new variants.

"This is of course a very good preventive measure. I thank the central government," he said.

Another precaution that must be taken is to tighten all entrances and there should be no demoralization there. Starting from the airport to the port of entry and exit must go through one door that is closely monitored.

"I'm sorry that this has happened so that people don't leave the airport and harbor from the back door, everyone has to go through the front door. If this can be maintained, God willing, we can keep new variants from entering us because this is very vulnerable. We must alert and should not be underestimated," he said.

For information, WHO in its official statement, Tuesday (9/11/2021) said that this new variant of B.1.1.529 Omicron has a large number of mutations and some of them are worrying. Variant B.1.1.529 was identified in 10 cases in three countries, namely South Africa, England and Scotland.

A number of researchers also stated that the Omicron variant was 500 percent more infectious than the Delta variant that had spread in Indonesia.