Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Spokesperson for the Handling Task Force Covid-19 Wiku Adi Sasmito stated that the government is now implementing an emergency response situation to prevent the spread of the variant corona virus Omicron. New policies are also being drafted.
“Currently, the government is carrying out an emergency response to prevent the spread of the domestic Covid-19 variant and then formulating policies that are adapted to the policies of various experts,” Wiku said at a press conference, Thursday (16/12).
The Ministry of Health, he said, is also intensifying Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to detect omicron. It even requires specimen samples from the country of origin of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 using reagents that are sensitive to the various existing variants.
“This is considering that the 10-14 day quarantine period is considered sufficient to monitor the possibility of developing symptoms as well as two PCR tests,” he added.
Wiku then appealed to the public to postpone overseas trips if there was no emergency need.
If it is urgent, according to him, the international travel mechanism must follow the rules contained in the Kasatgas Circular No. 25 of 2021 concerning International Travel Health Protocols during the Covid-19 Pandemic Period.
Previously, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced the findings of the first case of Covid-19 of the Omicron variant in Indonesia. The initial case was detected at the Covid-19 Emergency Hospital (RSDC) Wisma Atlet Pademangan.
There are three cleaners who tested positive for Covid-19. The samples of the three specimens were then taken to the Research and Development Agency (Balitbang) of the Ministry of Health on December 10 for examination (whole genome sequencing / WGS).
The results of the WGS examination were only known on Wednesday (15/12) night. One of the three officers was confirmed to have COVID-19, the Omicron variant. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that one patient with the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 had recovered.
(mts/bmw)
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