In Three Weeks, Omicron Variant COVID-19 Patients Increase Fivefold

Vaccine Illustration/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The government's prediction about the surge in COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the Omicron variant is increasingly visible. Over the past three weeks, the number of patients has increased fivefold.

Two weeks ago, weekly COVID-19 cases were 1.501 cases. Weekly cases last week increased by 3.027 cases. Then, this week, weekly cases added 5.454.

"Currently, the number of national positive cases has increased in the last 3 weeks, increasing 5 times from 1.123 cases to 5.454 cases," said Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force Wiku Adisasmito in a virtual press conference, Thursday, January 20.

Wiku said that currently, more national positive cases were found from local transmissions, compared to foreign travelers.

"In fact, as of January 15, 2022, 63 percent of positive cases were local transmissions, while the data for overseas travelers showed an increase," he said.

Wiku said that this week, there were 8.605 active cases of COVID-19. This figure is up by more than 3,000 cases compared to last week's 5.494 cases.

Specifically for the Omicron variant, as of January 20, 1.078 cases have been detected in Indonesia. In detail, as many as 756 cases are foreign travel agents (PPLN), 257 local transmissions, and 65 cases are still being identified.

Furthermore, Wiku revealed that anticipating an increase in cases early on is the key to optimally preventing transmission. Wiku asked the public to postpone traveling abroad if it was not urgent.

"The public is also advised to maintain discipline in health protocols, comply with applicable regulations, such as the use of the PeduliLindungi application, and fulfill the test requirements for activities and travel," he concluded.