DPR Reminds Government To Anticipate COVID-19 Variant Mu

ILLUSTRATION/PIXABAY

JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) discovered a new variant of COVID-19, namely Mu. A variant of the Coronavirus that is included in the Variant of Interest list and is immune to vaccines.

The MU variant was first identified in Colombia and its code is known as B.1.621. This virus is suspected to have spread to 39 countries.

According to The Guardian, Friday, September 3, the MU Coronavirus variant has a group of mutations that make it less susceptible to immune protection from the COVID-19 vaccine.

This variant of COVID-19 Mu has the potential to escape immunity. This means that Mu is potentially immune to the COVID-19 vaccine. However, this potential still requires further research.

In response to the new variant of COVID-19, Member of House of Representatives Commission IX, Kurniasih Mufidayati, reminded all parties, especially the government, to anticipate the entry of the Mu variant into the country early.

According to her, the entrance of people from abroad to Indonesia by sea, land, and air must be strictly tightened.

"We have to anticipate the entry of new variants into Indonesia. Restrictions on foreigners entering Indonesia and a stricter quarantine system for foreigners", said Mufida to VOI, Tuesday, September 7.

As is known, the government has extended the leveled PPKM until September 13. Some areas have been downgraded and relaxed.

The PKS politician assessed that PPKM alone is not enough if it is not accompanied by strict health protocols from the community and government. Moreover, there are rumors that a spike in new cases of COVID-19 could occur in mid-September.

"If PPKM can be adjusted to the latest positive case numbers, health care, vaccines, and 3T must be increased to the maximum", said Mufida.

Previously, President Joko Widodo asked all elements of the government to be aware of the new variant of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), namely the Mu variant. She conveyed this in the evaluation meeting of the Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM).

Jokowi highlighted the potential for transmission through community mobility. He asked the Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, to anticipate this.

"This variant of Mu is really so that we are more vigilant and detailed so that we don't ruin the achievements we have made", said Jokowi, broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's Youtube channel, Monday, September 6.