JawaPos.com– University of Gadjah Mada (UGM) Epidemiology Expert Bayu Satria Wiratama said there were possible variants or strain recently the virus that causes Covid-19 appeared in Indonesia. However, the possibility of being able to detect it is not that great.
According to Bayu Satria, efforts to detect the new variant cannot be done optimally. Because, activities genomic surveillance SARS Cov-2 in Indonesia is not optimal. The systematic and ongoing analysis of the genomics of the new coronavirus is still small.
“Only about 0.03 percent of our entire sample. It’s still very small, ”said Bayu Satria as quoted by Antara on Tuesday (23/2).
He conveyed, the potential for emergence strain The new virus that causes Covid-19 from Indonesia is quite large. The reason is, the transmission of Covid-19 in Indonesia is still active and quite extensive in various regions. Transmission that occurs continuously makes the potential for the virus to mutate even greater. Moreover, including the type of RNA viruses such as influenza viruses that mutate easily.
“The most serious impact is that we will continue to develop vaccines. Because the mutation has never been able to efficiently stop the previous vaccine and the transmission will continue, ”said Bayu Satria.
To reduce transmission and anticipate the emergence of new variants, Bayu pressured the government to continue to improve the 3T strategy, namely testing, tracing, and treatment. In addition, people are asked to comply with the 5M, such as wearing masks, maintaining distance, washing hands, reducing mobility, and avoiding crowds.
“This virus mutation can occur because the 3T and 5M are still weak. Even though the mutation occurs, the transmission characteristics are the same, so it can still be prevented with 5M, “said Bayu Satria.
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Editor: Latu Ratri Mubyarsah
Reporter: Between
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