Omicron Spreads, Solo Sends 32 WGS Samples of COVID-19 Patients

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SOLO - The Solo City Government, Central Java, sent 32 whole genome sequence (WGS) samples to the Semarang Health Laboratory Center following the outbreak of the new variant of COVID-19, Omicron, in a number of areas.

"A total of 32 of these samples came from Dr Moewardi Hospital and Dr Oen Kandang Sapi Hospital in Solo," said Head of the Surakarta City Health Service (DKK) Siti Wahyuningsih as quoted by Antara, Monday, January 24.

He said of the 32 samples, 30 of them had come out with negative Omicron results. Until now, it is still waiting for two samples that have not been released.

"Hopefully it's out this week. Hopefully not Omicron," he said.

Siti said that for the category of mucus samples sent to the laboratory, one of them had a CT Value below 30.

However, he said, especially for those who have a history of traveling abroad, even though the CT value is high, the sample is still sent to the Semarang Health Laboratory Center.

Regarding the outbreak of the Omicron variant in these areas, he emphasized that the public should always implement health protocols.

From the government side, efforts are being made to anticipate the entry of Omicron, namely accelerating the provision of booster vaccines.

Meanwhile, Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka said the government was continuing to monitor the development of COVID-19.

"We are conducting surveillance. Solo is not available for Omicron yet, we are waiting for the results from RSUD Dr. Moewardi and Dr. Oen Kandang Sapi. Hopefully not Omicron," he said.

Regarding these conditions, he asked the public not to worry too much about the existence of this new variant.

"People don't need to be afraid, (Omicron) is not as vicious as the Delta variant. What is certain is that we are more prepared, which emphasizes the prokes, such as wearing masks and others," he said.