The First Case Of Omicron In Indonesia Allegedly Of Indonesian Citizens Returning From Nigeria

ILLUSTRATION/Kemayoran Athlete House/DOK Ministry of PUPR

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has traced the origin of the entry of the Omicron variant from COVID-19 to Indonesia with the first case allegedly coming from an Indonesian citizen who arrived from Nigeria on November 27, 2021.

The Head of the Communication and Public Service Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Widyawati, explained that the cleaning officer with the initial N, who was confirmed to be infected with the Omicron variant, had never traveled abroad, so it could be concluded that he was infected by an Indonesian citizen who came from abroad and was quarantined at the Wisma Atlet.

After tracing the cases of Indonesian citizens who were positive for COVID-19 at Wisma Atlet in the past 14 days, it is most likely that the index case (first case) of Omicron is an Indonesian citizen with the initials TF, aged 21, who arrived from Nigeria on 27 November 2021.

There are 169 Indonesian citizens from abroad who have been quarantined at Wisma Atlet between November 24 and December 3, 2021, who have been traced with the results of one person, namely TF probable, with a high probability of contracting Omicron.

The PCR test results from TF itself have been declared negative. Earlier on Thursday, December 16, the Minister of Health (Menkes) Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced the findings of the first Omicron variant in the country in a janitor with the initials N who worked at the Kemayoran Athlete Hospital in Jakarta.

Regarding this, the Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Vaccination of the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, stated that the detection of the first case of Omicron in Indonesia is one of the main functions of quarantine for everyone who enters the country.

With quarantine, travelers from abroad will be monitored and observed by health workers and if the traveler is found to be positive for COVID-19, a search can be carried out immediately.

Through quarantine, travelers who are confirmed to have COVID-19 with symptoms can be immediately treated by medical officers.

"It is important for every foreign traveler who enters Indonesia to quarantine. The detection of Omicron in Indonesia is one of the successes of quarantine and we can immediately carry out tracing to prevent the spread of Omicron transmission," said Nadia.

He appealed to the public to remain aware of the spread of Omicron and other types of COVID-19 viruses.

"Reduce mobility, continue to wear masks, wash your hands frequently with soap, and keep your distance. Don't be careless and stay alert to the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, especially Omicron, which spreads very quickly," he said.