5 Positive Cases Still Under Genetic Code Study Related To Omicron

ILLUSTRATION VOI

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 Handling Task Force (Satgas) said that there were five positive cases of COVID-19 whose genetic code is still being studied for the domestic Omicron variant.

"There are five positive cases whose genetic code is currently being studied by the Ministry of Health's Litbangkes to determine whether these cases are indeed cases with the Omicron variant," said National Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Wiku Adi Sasmito, quoted by Antara, Thursday, November 16.

He said this probable case had a travel history in which one case was from the United States and the Netherlands, one case was from England, and three cases were from China.

"Currently undergoing isolation in a special place, namely two cases at the Wisma Atlet Kemayoran tower, and three cases at the quarantine facility in Manado," he explained.

On December 15, Wiku said, the Ministry of Health detected a confirmed case of the Omicron variant that came from one of the cleaners at Wisma Atlet Kemayoran.

"Following up on these findings after the results of the PCR test came out, the tracing of the contact history of this case is being investigated further to anyone who has closely interacted with the positive case," he said.

Currently, said Wiku, patients with confirmed cases of Omicron have tested negative for COVID-19 after undergoing isolation and treatment.

In connection with the global development of the new variant, Wiku said, the government has taken several anticipatory steps, including the Ministry of Health continuing to intensify efforts to test Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).

"It even requires samples from positive case specimens from countries experiencing transmission of the Omicron variant by using testing reagents that are sensitive to various existing variants," he said.

Currently, Wiku continued, the government is also continuing to optimize the emergency response to prevent the spread of transmission of the COVID-19 variant in the country.

The government also prepares policies that are adapted to the input of various experts and officers in the field so that these policies can properly detect any variants that enter Indonesia.

Wiku said a quarantine period of 10-14 days was considered sufficient to monitor the chance of developing symptoms during the incubation period as well as re-test PCR twice to really confirm someone is positive or not.

The government urges the public to postpone traveling abroad if there is no urgent need.

"If the trip must be carried out due to very urgent circumstances, such as reasons for health, grief, or official duties, it is necessary to implement a mechanism for the arrival of international travelers according to the current and applicable procedures in the Circular of the Task Force Number 25 of 2021," he said.