Long Holiday Is Over, Puan Asks Government To Watch Out For Spike In COVID-19 Cases

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani reminded the government to be aware of the spike in COVID-19 cases after the end of the Idul Fitri 1444 H holiday. She appealed to the government to strengthen the implementation of tracing in anticipation of an increase in COVID-19 which was triggered by a new variant of the Arcturus sub-variant or XBB 1.16.

"We must be aware of the potential increase in COVID-19 after the holidays. The government must prepare the best scenario if there is a spike in cases," said Puan, Tuesday, April 25.

"The first prevention that needs to be done by the Government is to move quickly to conduct tracing quickly and periodically. Remembering that during the Eid holiday, the community mobilized a lot," added the first woman who served as Chair of the Indonesian Parliament.

In addition to tracing, continued Puan, the government is asked to intensify surveillance or systematic and continuous observation of data and information related to cases of the Arcturus variant covid that have been detected in Indonesia since the 2023 Eid al-Fitr.

The government must also optimally treat patients who have been confirmed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus. This includes paying attention to COVID-19 patients who are doing it at home under the supervision of health workers.

"Quick and precise treatment allows the government to reduce the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. People who have tested positive must be given real follow-up," said Puan.

"If there are no symptoms, it is recommended to isolate at home, but for those who have symptoms, the government must return to preparing hospitals as isolation rooms when there is a surge," she added.

Puan also asked the government to ensure the availability of drugs for COVID-19 patients. Health workers in all regions must also be adequate and prepared for the worst conditions.

"We hope that there will be no more spikes in cases, but we still have to be prepared and not let our guard down so that this already good condition can be maintained," said Puan.

Furthermore, Bung Karno's granddaughter encouraged the Government to continue to intensify the implementation of Covid-19 booster doses. Puan said the COVID-19 booster was urgently needed, especially for people from high-risk groups such as the elderly and comorbid sufferers, as well as people with high mobility.

"I hope the Government will continue to intensify booster vaccinations. That way, the community is sufficiently protected even though there is an increase in COVID-19 cases," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan also appealed to the public to continue to live a healthy life and continue to be disciplined in health protocols. Apart from taking care of yourself, being aware of the transmission of COVID-19 needs to be done in order to protect your family and those closest to you.

"People should be active again wearing masks, especially for people who are sick, people who have close contact with people who are sick, and when we are in crowds and crowds," Puan appealed.

Even so, the public was asked not to panic about the potential increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Arcturus variant. With discipline in health protocols and following the Government's recommendations, Puan believes Indonesia will not experience a significant increase in cases as happened in India and Singapore.