Task Force: Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 Confirmed to Enter Riau Islands

Returning from the Holy Land, a group of COVID-19 antigen swab tests at Hang Nadim Batam Airport, Riau Islands, Wednesday, July 27. (PHOTO OF ANTARA-Jessica)

RIAU ISLAND - The COVID-19 Handling Task Force revealed that Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, subvariants of COVID-19 have entered the Riau Islands Province.

"From the results of the Ministry of Health's research, several patients were infected with Omicron BA.4 and BA.5. However, this virus is not dangerous", said the Secretary of the Riau Islands COVID-19 Task Force, Muhamad Darwin, in Tanjungpinang, Friday, September 16.

According to him, patients infected with Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 recover more easily, although the transmission rate is faster. Patients infected with the virus only have mild symptoms such as cough and flu.

"There are also those who have contracted the virus, but have no symptoms", said Darwin, who is also the Head of the Riau Islands Energy and Mineral Resources Office.

He revealed, that the number of active cases of COVID-19 in the Riau Islands was only 76 people, spread out in Batam City with 29 people, Tanjungpinang with 18 people, Karimun Regency with 15 people, Bintan Regency with 13 people, and Natuna Regency one person.

Meanwhile, the Anambas Islands Regency and Lingga Regency survive with zero active cases of COVID-19.

"The number of active COVID-19 cases in Riau Islands has dropped dramatically compared to last month's conditions", said Darwin.

The Secretary of the Riau Islands Health Service, Ludi Harman, said the decline in active cases of COVID-19 was due to community immunity being formed naturally or through vaccines. The formation of a communal immune system makes it difficult for people to be infected with COVID-19.

"Even if infected, only mild symptoms", he said.

However, he reminded residents to continue to apply health protocols and support the vaccination program.

"You can't be careless, you still have to be disciplined about the process and wait until the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine", said Ludi.