Detection Of A New Variant Of COVID-19, Muhadjir Asked Indonesian Migrant Workers From Malaysia To Carry Out Genome Sequencing

Health workers conduct rapid antigen tests on migrant workers arriving in Riau Islands, Tuesday, May 18. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy urged the relevant authorities to detect the possibility of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 brought by hundreds of migrant workers in Riau Islands and Sumatra. "This is the importance of genome sequencing. Those from abroad We must anticipate it because our focus is on preventing new variants, such as those from Africa, Britain or India, "he said in a written statement received in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Wednesday, May 19. PMI) from Malaysia in the Riau Islands (Kepri) has tested positive for COVID-19. Similar conditions have been reported in the Province of North Sumatra (North Sumatra). It has been found that 33 PMIs from Malaysia have also tested positive for COVID-19.

Previously, the PMI had obtained a COVID-19 free certificate from the neighboring country but after isolation and re-examination in Indonesia, it was found to be positive. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin had instructed the ranks of the Health Research and Development Agency (Balitbangkes) to carry out genome sequencing of PMI from Malaysia. "People who enter from Malaysia who are positive are immediately subjected to genome sequencing. I have instructed the Research and Development Agency that all those who are positive should continue to be monitored," he said. Budi added that the community still adheres to health protocols, especially wearing masks that are worn. it is believed to be able to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 by up to 95 percent. "Finally, the most important thing, all officials must be convinced to implement and report the 3T results in a transparent manner," he said.