Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Epidemiologist from Australia’s Griffith University, Dicky Budiman explains the variant of the corona virus (Covid-19) named Kappa that have been found in the region DKI Jakarta derived from the same strain as the Delta variant, coded B.617.
Unlike Delta, Kappa is not included in the Variant of Concern (VOC) or a variant that is of concern to the World Health Organization (WHO). Kappa is still classified as Variants of Interest and was first discovered in India in April.
“This Kappa is a derivative of B.1.617.1, currently it is still considered a VoI. Well, by WHO since April this year,” he told CNNIndonesia.com, Wednesday (30/6).
Since it was discovered last April, the rate of spread of the Kappa variant of the corona virus is almost similar to that of Delta. However, the impact of these variants is currently still in the research process.
In Melbourne, Australia, said Dicky, Kappa is considered easier to spread and infect. The impact of these variants is even considered to resemble measles, and can enter the human body by just passing each other.
“That’s the Kappa variant. If this is actually found in Jakarta, yes this is not encouraging news. Because everywhere in Java at least it is already there,” he said.
Dicky reminded the government to take the findings of the variant seriously. According to him, the government cannot only focus on implementing the Emergency PPKM model, but it must be reflected in its implementation in the field.
“In conclusion, this finding must be addressed, our response is not only emergency PPKM. But it must be a correct response that reflects the emergency situation,” he said.
The findings of the Kappa variant in DKI were previously conveyed by the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan in a coordination meeting on the implementation of an emergency Micro PPKM plan with the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, Tuesday (29/6).
In his accepted presentation slide CNNIndonesia.comAnies said that of the 128 variants of concern or new corona mutations that were detected in the capital, one case was the Kappa variant.
(thr/bmw)
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