Omicron Variant Still Threatening, Ministry Of Health Asks Community To Test If Close Contact

Ilustrasi-DOK VOI

JAKARTA - Secretary of the Directorate General of Public Health Siti Nadia Tarmizi reminded the public to immediately carry out testing if they became close contacts of COVID-19 cases.

Nadia revealed, testing from close contacts, even without experiencing symptoms, is important to suppress the spread of the corona virus. What's more, the Omicor variant is now widespread.

“This close contact testing and tracing activity is very important in preventing the spread. We ask the public not to be afraid to do testing, especially those who have a history of close contact with COVID-19 patients," said Nadia in her statement, Friday, February 18.

If later exposed to COVID-19, Nadia asked the close contact to self-isolate. Given, the Ministry of Health has provided telemedicine facilities along with a free isoman drug package.

"There is no need to be afraid to quarantine or self-isolate (isoman) because the Ministry of Health provides telemedicine services and consultations with health workers at the Puskesmas to monitor public health developments," said Nadia.

Furthermore, Nadia said on Thursday, February 17, the number of patients being treated at the hospital was in the position of 36 percent of the total COVID-19 treatment and isolation beds provided.

"This figure is still very adequate for the treatment of COVID-19 patients and is not too burdensome for the current health services and health personnel," said Nadia.

Other data also showed several provinces that previously had surpassed daily cases at the peak of the Delta, are now seeing a decline in the number of daily cases.

The daily confirmed cases in DKI Jakarta, which had surpassed the case for the 2021 Delta wave, are now gradually decreasing. On Sunday, February 6, Jakarta's daily cases were at 15.825 but gradually decreased to 9.482 on Tuesday, February 8.

Bali and Banten, which also recorded daily cases exceeding the peak of the Delta, gradually fell. On Wednesday, February 9, Bali Province recorded daily cases at 2.556 and gradually decreased on Tuesday, February 15 to 1.646. Then, Banten, which on Saturday, February 12th, was in the position of 7.283 recorded a decline on Tuesday, February 15, at the position of 6.500.