DIY Check 8 Samples Suspected Omicron

ILLUSTRA TION BY VOI

YOGYAKARTA - The Yogyakarta Special Region Government examined as many as eight samples of COVID-19 patients suspected of contracting the new variant of Omicron.

Head of the DIY Health Service (Dinkes) Pembajun Setyaningastutie said the whole genome sequencing (WGS) examination of the eight suspected Omicron samples was carried out by the Wates Veterinary Center (BBVet), Kulon Progo, and the UGM FK-KMK Laboratory.

"Yesterday, eight of the 11 samples sent (for inspection)," he said, quoted by Antara, Thursday, January 13.

According to him, the eight samples, all of which came from Kulon Progo, were suspected of being Omicron because they had a CT value below 30 and transmission occurred quickly.

"If I look at those with CT under 30, there are not eight people, but because they are in one area and the current conditions are safer if all of them are examined," he said.

According to Pembajun, the eight samples from Kulon Progo were not related to the patient's history of traveling abroad, but merely having received or had contact with guests.

He said the results of the WGS examination of the eight samples were expected to come out in about two weeks and would be announced by the Governor of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X.

In addition to the eight samples from Kulon Progo, according to him, previously the Yogyakarta City Government had also sent seven samples suspected of Omicron and are still in the process of being examined in the laboratory.

Referring to the provisions of the central government, at least the regions must send 70 samples for WGS to be carried out.

"In the first stage, it was asked to immediately send it to BBVet and UGM," said Pembajun.

As an effort to anticipate the spread of Omicron, according to him, the Yogyakarta Regional Government has asked all government-owned hospitals to prepare at least 30 percent of the total bed capacity and 20 percent for private hospitals.

"We also encourage isoters, as well as 'telemedicine'. If health workers are still available, if there is not enough, we will recruit again who have been volunteers. We already have by name, by address," said Pembajun Setyaningastutie.