Virologists Remind The Importance Of Whole Genome Sequencing Examination

ILLUSTRATION ANTARA

PURWOKERTO - Virologist from Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) Dr. Daniel Joko Wahyono MBiomed reminded the importance of "whole genome sequencing" examination to detect potential new variants of SARS-CoV-2 that cause COVID-19 in Indonesia early.

"Whole genome sequencing or WGS examination needs to be improved to track and detect viral mutations," he said in Purwokerto, quoted by Antara, Monday, November 29.

The Unsoed Faculty of Biology lecturer who teaches virology courses also explained that early detection is very necessary to anticipate and mitigate various new variants of the Coronavirus, such as Omicron or variant B.1.1.529.

"Anticipation and detection need to be done early on by increasing the preparedness and vigilance of all related parties," said Daniel.

Meanwhile, the government's rapid response has taken a number of anticipatory steps, including the Minister of Home Affairs Instruction Number 62 concerning the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 during Christmas 2021 - New Year 2022.

"Actually, the philosophy of the Instruction of the Minister of Home Affairs is to control the spread of the COVID-19 disease by limiting individual interactions and also community mobility which can potentially increase cases significantly," continued Daniel.

In order to anticipate a significant spike in cases, he said, it is necessary to do a number of things, namely community restrictions and strengthening health protocols.

"Especially the use of masks must be strengthened again, because masks are one effective effort to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus," said Daniel.

In addition, he said, people also need to keep their distance and limit mobility.

"In addition, the mandatory quarantine policy for immigrants from abroad is also something that really needs to be considered because it is a good way to control the occurrence of transmission or the entry of new variants from other countries," he said.

Daniel added that the COVID-19 vaccination program also needs to be intensified in order to achieve the target of group immunity in all regions in the country.

"In addition, what is also not inferior is the whole genome sequencing test in order to detect new, more virulent variants," he said.

Meanwhile, as previously reported, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan emphasized the government's quick response to the new variant of Covid-19, Omicron.

In a press conference regarding the government's response to the Omicron variant, online in Jakarta, Sunday, November 28, Luhut said that the variant contains 50 mutations that affect the speed of transmission and its ability to evade antibodies.

With so many mutations, Luhut continued, WHO has upgraded the status of the variant to a variant of concern.