Minister Of Health Budi Gunadi: Out Of 1,600 COVID-19 Patients With The Omicron Variant, 20 Need Treatment And Oxygen

Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin (Photo; DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, revealed that there are very few patients with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the country who must receive treatment until oxygen assistance is available.

He conveyed this to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in a limited meeting to discuss the development of COVID-19.

"It has been confirmed that of the 1,600 affected by Omicron, only about 20 were treated and needed oxygen, and indeed two died", said Budi at the 'PPKM Evaluation' press conference that was broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube on Monday, January 24.

"This is still very far, very low compared to the Delta case", he added.

The former Deputy Minister of SOE also said that he had reported to President Jokowi the increase in cases of the Omicron variant by the anticipation that had been made.

"It was reported to the President that the increase in the number of Omicron cases is in line with our anticipation. Worldwide, Omicron cases will rise rapidly and high, even more than Delta cases, but the good thing is that the decline is also fast and hospitalization is also low", said Budi.

Even so, the public is asked not to panic but also to always be aware of the rate of transmission. In addition, Budi reminded the public to continue to comply with health protocols so as not to contract the Omicron variant.

"We don't need to panic, but we must continue to be vigilant and careful because the transmission rate is high", he said.

"We need, secondly, to ensure that health protocols are followed. Wear masks, wash hands, reduce crowds", he concluded.