Epidemiologist Explains Exposure Prevention Steps For The New Omicron B1.4 And BA.5

Health workers carry COVID-19 patients in Myanmar in August 2021. (ANTARA-Karen Information Center-Handout via REUTERS)

SEMARANG - Field epidemiologist from Jenderal Sudirman University (Unsoed) dr. Yudhi Wibowo reminded the public to obey the health protocols (prokes) as an effort to anticipate the transmission of the new variant of COVID-19.

"This COVID-19 continues to mutate, trying to infect the immunity that has been formed from existing vaccines. Now after Omicron, BA.4 and BA.5 variants appear again (which are subvariants of Omicron)," he said in Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, Monday.

Like Omicron, he said, BA.4 and BA.5 variants easily infect humans, especially the most vulnerable groups are the elderly, comorbid, and children under 6 years who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine.

He also admitted that he was worried that the transmission of the BA.4 and BA.5 variants in the community would quickly occur due to the easing of the use of masks in open places that were not crowded.

"But people seem to interpret the easing by assuming the pandemic is over, it's endemic. So, I see in the field that there are many who don't wear masks," Yudhi said, as reported by Antara.

In fact, he said, the BA.4 and BA.5 variants are easy to infect people who have received the vaccine or those who have not.

Therefore, he continued, communication and information related to the use of masks must be improved so that people remain vigilant against COVID-19.

"So if it's in a crowded open place, wear a mask again. That's my advice," he said.

Furthermore, Yudhi admitted that the trend of COVID-19 cases nationally had increased.

However, he said, of course, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin wanted there to be no panic.

"So keep coming back to be vigilant, wear masks, and those who haven't 'boostered' (booster vaccines, ed.) immediately 'booster'. If I'm not mistaken, IDI (Indonesian Doctors Association) has suggested for a second booster, especially for health workers because they will be dealing directly with the patient first," he said.

He hopes that later if it is budgeted, there will be a second booster vaccination for the other groups.

In addition, he said, children under the age of 6 years must also be immediately protected through the COVID-19 vaccination.

"I think (BA.4 and BA.5) are easy to infect but hopefully the fatality will not be like when the Delta variant appeared. Omicron is easy to infect, but the mortality rate is low compared to Delta, our hope is of course in that direction," he said.

In this case, he gave the example of the Spanish flu which eventually stopped on its own because it mutated towards being weaker, so the virus was easy to infect but had low fatality.

Yudhi added, if previously there was a "gas-brake" principle as an effort to control COVID-19, it would be better if now the brakes were slightly stepped on.

"Perhaps PPKM (Implementation of Restrictions on Community Activities) needs to be reviewed to return to prokes anywhere, even in open spaces," he added.

He also hopes that the SOE COVID-19 vaccine, which is undergoing phase three trials, can be successful, so that it can be implemented for children under 6 years of age.

"People who have not been boosted should also be given an understanding because this is for the benefit of all," he concluded.