2 COVID-19 Patients In DKI Died, Vaccination Program Must Be Implemented Immediately

Illustration of the COVID-19 test Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The government is asked to intensify the COVID-19 vaccination, both in full and booster doses. This follows another case of death from Covid-19 which has increased again in Indonesia.

The existence of COVID-19 patients who died must be a warning to all of us. The government must further intensify socialization and education and vaccination services for the community. This is the first step in anticipating a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country," said DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, Wednesday, December 13.

Referring to information from the Epidemiological Surveillance and Immunization Section of the DKI Jakarta Health Office, two positive COVID-19 patients were declared dead after being exposed to the virus. They are 81 and 91 years old with comorbidities or congenital diseases and have not been vaccinated against the fourth dose.

The Ministry of Health itself noted that the number of COVID-19 has increased sharply since the end of October 2023. In the period 1-26 October, the number of cases was recorded at 230 while the figure jumped 54% to 355 on 1-26 November 2023. This increase is estimated to be in line with the entry of the Eris or EG.5 and EG.2.

The increase in cases is dominated by the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant which is also the cause of the wave of infections in Europe and the United States. In addition to the XBB variant, Indonesia has also detected subvariants of EG.2 and EG.5 or Eris.

Puan reminded the Government to ensure the availability of vaccine doses for the community in every health facility, especially soon to enter the long holiday in the context of Christmas 2023 and New Year 2024.

"All health centers and health facilities appointed for vaccination services must have a stock of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine so that people can get vaccinated quickly in order to re-enhanced antibodies in the body and extend protection from severity or death due to COVID-19 infection," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

"In each region, it must also ensure that the health facilities are comfortable and safe. Don't forget to re-prepare the isolation rooms if there are patients who are confirmed positive," he added.

Puan encouraged the Government to intensify appeals to the public to complete vaccinations, as well as increase protection with boosters. He said he ensured that the overall dose of vaccine would increase antibodies against COVID-19 attacks.

"Sinergitas antara Pusat dan daerah memainkan peran penting dalam memastikan masyarakat sudah melengkapi dosis vaksin COVID-19," ungkap Puan.

In addition, the first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR RI invited the entire community to complete the dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, for people who have comorbidities, Puan appealed to be disciplined in implementing health protocols while undergoing daily activities.

"Don't let the euphoria of year-end holidays make you forget the implementation of health procedures. As much as possible use a mask while in the crowd. Diligently wash your hands and those who are sick should not leave the house first," he concluded.