Omicron Case Predicted To Increase In February, DPR: Don't Go Abroad, If You Want Refreshing Postpone First

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The government predicts the peak of the increase in Omicron cases will occur in February-March. The public is advised not to travel abroad to suppress the spread of the new variant of COVID-19. Moreover, most of the positive cases of Omicron in the country are transmissions from abroad.

"The public must understand that if they visit because they want to refresh, they should postpone it. Refreshing is not an important issue," said DPR Commission IX member Edy Wuryanto to reporters, Friday, January 21.

According to the Central Java legislator, people can enjoy holidays without having to go abroad. Moreover, said Edy, most tourist destination countries also recorded high transmission of the Omicron variant.

"I appeal to the public, hold on, because we understand very well that this transmission is mostly in countries such as Turkey, America, Malaysia, Singapore. These are countries that have recorded high transmissions," he explained.

The PDIP politician reminded the public, especially officials and public figures, to help the government try to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 cases, especially the Omicron variant. Don't let it, he said, after the holidays become a source or person who brought the Omicron virus to Indonesia.

Edy stated that members of the DPR will not make visits abroad if there are no very important activities as part of preventing the transmission of Omicron.

"Don't let the state focus on dealing with Omicron and all Indonesian people are focused on it, we are not setting a good example," said Edy.

In addition, Edy said that the acceleration of COVID-19 vaccination also needed to be carried out in an effort to prevent Omicron transmission. If you have received the complete dose, he said, you must immediately participate in booster vaccination according to government regulations.

Meanwhile, if you have not received the vaccine at all, Edy appealed to immediately follow the first and second doses of vaccination. The reason, especially booster vaccines can reduce the risk of severe cases.

"70 percent of cases, most of them are only in the mild to moderate stage. This is the importance of vaccination," he said.

In addition, continued Edy, testing and tracing efforts must also be increased, in addition to health protocols. Then, the distribution of COVID-19 drugs or the use of telemedicine must be made easier. That way, he said, patients do not need to come to health services.

"Self-isolation centers need to be prepared, thereby reducing the number of people being hospitalized. Because mild to moderate is not necessary in the hospital," said EEdy.