Omicron BA.4 And BA.5 Cases Appear, Riau Governor Urges Citizens To Get Booster Vaccination

RIAU - The new Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants have resulted in an increase in COVID-19 cases in various countries. Riau Governor Syamsuar urged his citizens to immediately equip themselves with a third or booster vaccination

"I urge the public to remain disciplined about health protocols if they are in a closed room and immediately vaccinate, either dose one, two or booster for prevention," said the Governor of Riau in Pekanbaru, Riau, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, June 14.

Governor Syamsuar made this announcement regarding the government's efforts to deal with a potential spike in COVID-19 cases.

Previously, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs (Menko Ekon) Airlangga Hartarto said the government specifically encouraged booster vaccinations as a condition for organizing activities that involve crowds.

According to Syamsuar, booster dose vaccination for the community must be increased because the achievement is still low.

Therefore, he said, the Riau Provincial Health Office must re-open vaccine locations so that people who have not been injected with the booster vaccine can be vaccinated.

"I have asked the Head of the Riau Provincial Health Office to re-open vaccine sites, so that later people who want to be vaccinated with the booster can be vaccinated," he said in a press statement, Monday, June 13.

Spokesman for the Riau COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Dr. H Surya Hajar Fitria Dana Sp.P, (K).FISR.FICCP said the new Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants have not been detected in Riau Province, marked by cases of COVID -19 in Riau there is no spike.

Although no cases of the Omicron subvariance have been found, the people of Riau are asked to be vigilant while still implementing health protocols.

"The key is health protocols. If we continue to obey health protocols, for example in the room while still wearing masks, God willing, transmission can be prevented," he said.

Surya explained the development of COVID-19 in Riau, for six days there were no additional daily cases. This means that cases in Riau have declined considerably, even now there are no patients being treated at the hospital. On average, patients in Riau have mild symptoms and self-isolate at home.