Ministry Of Health: To Make Sure It's Omicron Or Not, You Have To Keep Using The Genome

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JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Siti Nadia Tarmizi stated that cases of Omicron infection must be confirmed by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) examination, a laboratory procedure to determine the entire sequence of nitrogen bases in the genome or genetic material of an organism.

He conveyed this explanation when asked for a response regarding the promotion of an antigen test kit which is claimed to be able to detect transmission of the corona virus that causes COVID-19, the Omicron variant on online trading platforms and several clinics in Jakarta.

"Currently there is the S-Gene Target Failure RT-PCR method, but this is only conjecture. To confirm (infection cases caused by) Omicron or not, we must continue to use Whole Genome Sequencing," said Siti Nadia Tarmizi to ANTARA in Jakarta, Monday. .

Nevertheless, the Secretary of the Directorate General of Public Health at the Ministry of Health explained that examinations using the RT-PCR method and antigen test kits are still needed to detect early transmission of COVID-19.

"Keep using PCR (test results) or antigens because the important thing is that we know first whether we are positive or not, so we can immediately take protective steps," he said. Nadia said that residents do not need to panic and flock to health facilities when infected with the corona virus. Omicron variant.

"But the public can be really alert and know this condition well, that transmission from this Omicron variant is faster than other COVID-19 variants of concern," he said.

"But the cases of morbidity and mortality due to this variant are low, so the hospital should be used by patients who really need it, namely those who have moderate to critical symptoms," he added.

The Ministry of Health advises residents who are infected with COVID-19 but only experience mild symptoms or do not experience symptoms of illness to self-isolate at home or undergo quarantine in integrated isolation facilities by utilizing remote health consultation services.