Hundreds Of Children In Jakarta COVID-19, Anies: We Are Facing Different Outbreaks

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan (Photo: Diah Ayu Wardani/VOI)

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said that currently there was an increase in cases of COVID-19 transmission targeting children in the capital city.

The number of children in DKI Jakarta who are positive for COVID-19 continues to grow. In the highest daily increase in new cases, which amounted to 5,582 cases on Sunday, June 20, as many as 665 cases were children aged 5 to 18 years. And 224 children under five years.

"That's approximately 12 percent (of the total daily cases on Sunday, June 20). So, 16 percent of the increase in cases are children", said Anies at City Hall, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, June 22.

Seeing this problem, Anies considers the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic to be different from last year. Where, various new virus variants have emerged, namely the Alpha variant from the UK, the Beta variant from South Africa, to the Delta variant from India.

"This means that we are facing a different epidemic situation from the beginning of last year. It is most likely a new variant that is easily transmitted, including to children", he said.

Therefore, Anies reminded the public to be more aware of the transmission of COVID-19 by doing activities at home unless there is an urgent need to go out.

Then, he asked parents to strictly monitor their children and make sure they stay at home.

"Children are allowed to play at home for the safety of all. Because, handling for children certainly requires adult assistance, so that complexities arise that are not simple", he explained.