PKS Asks Government To Prepare Worst Scenario To Handle Omicron

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JAKARTA - The government is asked to seriously address the high number of cases of the Omicron variant so that a third wave of COVID-19 does not occur. The government is also considered to need to prepare a worst-case scenario if cases spike so that it doesn't happen like the Delta variant attack in the middle of last year.

Member of Commission IX DPR RI PKS faction, Kurniasih Mufidayati, urged the government to intensively disseminate information about the Omicron variant to the public. The reason is that people only conclude that Omicron's symptoms are milder, so they lose their vigilance.

"Of the hundreds of current Omicron cases, there are two that are in the moderate category and require oxygen assistance. Even though they are called milder, they are still symptoms that require treatment," said Mufida in Jakarta, Friday, January 14.

For example, continued Mufida, the government decided to quarantine or home care. According to him, there must be more adequate support and readiness for drugs and telemedicine.

"If there are symptoms of fever or cough, you still need medicine, right? Then what kind of telemedicine system will be appropriate, fast and accurate. This must be prepared from now on," he explained. According to the Jakarta legislator, the government should learn from the COVID-19 case. 19 Delta variants in the last second wave. With this experience, there should be significant improvements as part of the readiness to face Omicron.

"We ask that all preparations be made to anticipate if a third wave occurs with this Omicron variant," he said.

Apart from medicines, Mufida added, supplies of vitamins, oxygen, and centralized isolation facilities must be prepared ahead of time. This is prepared if many houses are not adequate to self-isolate.

"This is part of planning for the worst. If we have prepared the worst scenario, then we will be much more alert to face the lighter scenario. Mitigation must be like that," he said.