Minister of Health: Increasing COVID-19 Cases Due to the Emergence of New Subvariants

Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin gave a scientific oration during the 68th Anniversary of Airlangga University Surabaya, in Surabaya, East Java, Wednesday (9/11/2022). (PHOTO ANTARA/Rzal Hanafi)

SURABAYA - Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, revealed that the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Indonesia was caused by the emergence of three new subvariants.

"So now the cases are increasing due to new variants. There are three new variants, BA2.75, XBB, and BQ1. Most of them in Indonesia are BQ1, many are in Europe and America and XBB is in Singapore", he said at Airlangga University (Unair) Surabaya, East Java, as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, November 9.

He stated that the new subvariance was indeed characterized by its rapid transmission, resulting in a spike in cases.

"People have been vaccinated, they have been infected, and they are also infected quickly. And entering the hospital (the hospital) is also slightly above BA2.75 last August", he said.

Currently, he said, 24,000 patients were being treated. Severe conditions have 10,000 patients and 1,300 people have died since October 2022.

"For those who are heavy, I am surprised, 40 percent have not been vaccinated or 70 percent have not been boosted. Of those 1,300 who died, 50 percent have not been vaccinated and 80 percent have not been boosted", he said.

The Minister of Health predicts that COVID-19 cases in Indonesia will continue to soar. He admits that now he has entered the third wave. However, most cases, especially the new subvariants, were found in big cities.

"Most cases are found in Bali, Surabaya, and Jakarta. The tide has started to rise now. So, guard it against now on", said Budi.

Seeing this fact, the Minister of Health invites people who have not carried out booster vaccinations to immediately vaccinate.

"Those who haven't been vaccinated are vaccinated quickly. If your parents haven't vaccinated, force the vaccine, don't have a booster, force it to be boosted", he said.

According to him, this is because vaccinations and boosters greatly reduce the risk of being hospitalized and dying.

"He will be infected, it's okay to be infected, but if he is vaccinated, he is mild. So please get vaccinated quickly, and those who have but haven't had a booster, get boosted quickly", he said.

In addition to vaccines, the Minister of Health appealed to the public to tighten their health protocols again.

"So my advice, keep wearing a mask. Because the cases are rising fast now. And those who haven't been vaccinated, must immediately get a booster", said Budi.