DKI Jakarta Provincial Health Office Finds Two New Variant Cases B1617 From India

Illustration of residents undergoing an antige swab test (ANTARA dock)

JAKARTA - The Provincial Health Office of DKI Jakarta confirmed the presence of viral mutations from the Indian variant B.1617.2 through samples sent to the Ministry of Health R&D.

This is known after the DKI Provincial Health Office conducted testing, tracing, and treatment of health workers and patients after the discovery of two cases of COVID-19 new variant B.1617.2 from India.

"We have identified until May 19, 2021 yesterday, there are 352 specimens of suspected viral mutations and the results that have come out of R&D found 2 cases with Variant of Concern (VoC) B.1617.2 India", said the Head of The Provincial Health Office of DKI Jakarta, Widyastuti in her statement, Saturday, May 22.

“Meanwhile, 15 specimens have not been found with viral mutations, and others are still awaiting results", she continued.

Furthermore, Widyastuti explained, two cases found Variant of Concern India B.1617.2 in Jakarta. First, experienced by an Indonesian Citizen Health Worker (WNI) who had symptoms and was declared positive for COVID-19 on April 3, 2021.

"From the results of the Whole Genome Sequencing/WGS examination at the R&D Ministry of Health obtained on April 30, showed positive Variants of India. The patient's own condition has been declared cured and completed isolation on April 17, 2021", she explained.

The second case, experienced by a Foreign National (WNA) of Indian origin, was then examined by WGS on April 28, 2021 and declared positive for Indian variants on April 30, 2021. The patient also underwent treatment at one of the hospitals in DKI Jakarta after being declared a positive PCR result from the quarantine site.

"Currently, foreign citizen patients are still being isolated in one of the hospitals in Jakarta and waiting for negative PCR results to continue the journey to the intended area", Widyastuti said.

In accordance with the regulation of overseas travelers updated through a circular SR.03.04/II/26/2021 concerning the Handling of COVID-19 patients from international travelers, states that patients are allowed to continue their journey to their destination if they have been declared PCR negative or if still positive on the 20th day of isolation, but the CT value is more than 40 and the patient is in good health.