“Regarding the discovery of the E484K variant which is a B117 mutation, people should not panic,” …
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Wiku Adisasmito appealed to the public not to panic about the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant, E484K, which is a mutation from the B117 variant previously found in the UK.
“Regarding the discovery of the E484K variant, which is a B117 mutation, the public should not panic,” said Wiku when giving a press statement in Jakarta, Thursday.
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Wiku said the mutation in the new variant occurs in the spike protein, and is the same mutation found in variants in South Africa and Brazil, and is considered more contagious.
He said the public shouldn’t panic, but they should be more disciplined in adhering to health protocols. Because defense discipline is the main thing in preventing transmission.
He conveyed that the government continues to increase monitoring of whole genome sequencing to map the incoming COVID-19 variants, and tighten the screening process when foreign nationals and Indonesian citizens from abroad enter Indonesia.
Also read: Ministry of Health: The findings of E484K in Jakarta are Indonesia’s first case
Also read: The UI professor called the E484K a new mutation, not a new variant
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Reporter: Rangga Pandu Asmara Jingga
Editor: Muhammad Yusuf
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