Omicron BA.4 And BA.5 Cases Detected In Jakarta, Deputy Governor Asks Residents To Make Sure They Have Booster Vaccines

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - A case of COVID-19 has been found in the Omicor BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants in Indonesia. This variant is feared to have the potential to cause a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Responding to this, Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Ahmad Riza Patria asked his citizens to ensure that they carry out the third or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination, in addition to continuing to apply health protocols.

"It's better to keep your distance, wash your hands, and last but not least, wear a mask, clean the air vents, maintain health, immunity, and most importantly make sure all Jakartans have received the third vaccine or booster," said Riza at Balai City of DKI Jakarta, Monday, June 13.

Riza said that people need to be aware of the emergence of this new variant of Omicron. This is because the government has now relaxed a number of activities and Jakarta has entered PPKM Level 1.

"The most important thing is that our society is now back to normal, working, studying, doing activities. We ask that we continue to implement health protocols. All of that is the awareness of the residents themselves," said Riza.

As is known, the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants were first reported to be detected in Indonesia on June 6, 2022. Based on the records as of June 10, there were 8 cases consisting of 2 cases of BA.4 and 6 cases of BA.5.

Of the 8 findings, there were 4 cases detected in Jakarta with 3 cases of local transmission and 1 case of overseas travellers (PPLN).

Meanwhile, 4 other cases were detected in Bali with 1 case of local transmission and 3 cases of PPLN participants of The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction delegation.

The BA.4 and BA.5 subvariant cases that have been found in Indonesia generally have mild symptoms and are asymptomatic. However, there was one case of local transmission of BA.5 with moderate symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

It was stated that the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants could lead to an increase in COVID-19 cases because the characteristics of this virus are better able to evade the body's immune system from vaccination and natural infection.

The Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants are also easier to infect, especially in people who have not been vaccinated. Although more infectious than the previous Omicron variant, to date there is no indication that this variant is more severe than other Omicron variants.