Sultan HB X: 20 People Exposed To COVID-19 Delta Variant

YOGYAKARTA - The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X confirmed that the corona virus variant B.1,617.2 or called the delta variant had entered this province.

Sultan HB X ensured that this was based on the results of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) SARS-COV-2 conducted by the WGS Laboratory of the Genetics Working Group of FK-KMK UGM on 25 specimen samples taken from various regions in Yogyakarta.

"We need to convey that the results of the WGS examination of 25 specimens, consisting of 15 adults and 10 children, indicate that 20 people have been exposed to the Delta variant," said Sultan, quoted by Antara, Saturday, July 17.

He said that of the 20 people who were exposed to the Delta variant, 11 cases were in adults and 9 cases were in children.

Sampling of specimens, he said, had been carried out by the Genetics Working Group of FK-KMK UGM in June 2021, then sample testing began on July 5, 2021. The results were reported by the Dean of FK-KMK UGM to the Minister of Health on July 10, 2021.

"The DIY Regional Government received reports and recommendations from the Indonesian Ministry of Health on July 14, 2021," he said.

Referring to the rapid increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in DIY, according to the Sultan, it is possible that the mutation variant of the virus has spread.

Sultan said the Delta variant has a higher transmission rate, although for now there is no difference in prevention or treatment efforts.

Facing this variant, the Governor of DIY recommended a number of things, including accelerating the coverage of COVID-19 vaccination in the community, because people who are not vaccinated can become a source of new mutations.

Strengthen tracing of close contacts where positive cases of COVID-19 occur, both in the household, community and office areas.

"Strengthening tracing must also be carried out with close contacts of high-risk owners, namely community members aged 65 years and over or having comorbidities," said Sultan.

The self-isolation process must be ensured to be carried out in a safe, obedient, and disciplined manner and close contacts must quarantine without exception. "Make sure all isolation and quarantine procedures are strictly adhered to," he said.

Next, strengthen and tighten the implementation of health protocols, namely using double masks, washing hands with soap and running water, maintaining distance, staying away from crowds, and limiting mobility and interaction, whenever and wherever.

"Tighten and ensure that there are no office activities and community activities that create potential crowds, such as celebrations, community service or face-to-face meetings," said Sultan.

According to Ngarsa Dalem, the role of the community in supporting the implementation of self-isolation and self-quarantine also needs to be increased while still paying attention to the process based on the principles of safety and a sense of social concern.

The King of the Yogyakarta Palace also asked COVID-19 positive patients to isolate themselves in existing shelters.