Ministry Of Health Explains Why Omicron Positive Cases Can Pass Quarantine Due To Comparative Tests

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JAKARTA - There is one case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Indonesia, which has escaped quarantine at the Wisma Atlet because the person concerned had a comparative test.

Spokesperson from the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi explained, an Indonesian citizen (WNI) who had just returned to the country from England. When tested by PCR at the entrance, this Indonesian citizen turned out to be positive for COVID-19.

Then, the person concerned asked the task force to conduct a comparative test independently. This comparison test showed a negative result for COVID-19. Nadia said, this comparative test can be done.

"So, in the SE Task Force, if we carry out quarantine, there are tests when entering and leaving, exit and entry tests. The first test was indeed appointed by us at the laboratory. However, we may have the right to apply for a comparative test which is paid for by us." we are alone," said Nadia in a virtual press conference, Tuesday, December 28.

After showing the comparative test which came back negative, the Indonesian citizen is allowed not to undergo centralized quarantine, and is asked to quarantine at home.

It turned out that, after the results of the first test showing that the Indonesian citizen was positive for COVID-19 were examined by whole genome sequencing (WGS), five days later, Omicron was detected positive.

Then, why are the results of the first test and the comparison test conducted by this Indonesian citizen different? Nadia explained that the factor that caused the difference in test results could be the method of taking the swab.

"First, it depends on how the swab is taken. If the swab is not taken correctly, the result can be negative because it cannot be detected," said Nadia.

Second, the quality of the specimens taken. "The quality of the specimens also greatly affects when they are brought to the laboratory. Also, because there are automatic PCR examinations and semi-automatic ones, this technique will also affect," he added.

Therefore, the Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, changed the provisions regarding the comparative test for travelers who are going to quarantine. If the first test and the comparison test show different test results, then the person concerned will be tested again for the third time.