The COVID-19 Variant Of Kraken Appears, The Coordinating Ministry For Human Development And Culture Reminds Of The Importance Of Prokes

Masks (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) stated that the emergence of the Omicron XBB 1.5 or Kraken subvariant reminded the need to strengthen the discipline of implementing health protocols (Prokes).

"The emergence of new subvariants reminds that the pandemic is not over yet, so the implementation of health protocols still needs attention," said Assistant Deputy for Health Services Improvement at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Nia Reviani, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, January 30.

Nia explained that the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided the latest risk assessment of the XBB.1.5 or Kraken Omicron subvariant as a highly contagious subvariant.

"Nevertheless, WHO also mentioned that this subvariant does not have mutations that trigger severe symptoms. However, the community must continue to improve health procedures and equip themselves with COVID-19 vaccinations, especially for vulnerable groups," he said.

Nia also said that the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia had caused various problems in the health sector.

"Therefore, to prevent its spread, the discipline of implementing health protocols still needs to be improved. This protocol includes routine washing hands, wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, preventing crowds, and vaccinating," he said.

The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, he said, also continues to encourage synergy and mutual cooperation from various sectors to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in increasing 3T efforts, namely testing, tracing, and treatment.

In addition, he said, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture also encourages the strengthening of synergies from various sectors to encourage the improvement of health services.

"With the strengthening of the health system and appropriate protocols, it is hoped that the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic can be carried out properly," he said.

Meanwhile, Head of the Professional Development Division of the Indonesian Association of Epidemiologists (PAEI) Masdalina Pane reminded that public awareness is important in efforts to control COVID-19.

"Participation and public awareness are one of the main keys in preventing the spread of COVID-19," he said.

The researcher at the Center for Public Health Research at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) said that controlling a disease outbreak, community participation and awareness had a big influence.