Jakarta – Indonesia is almost entering the peak of wave 3 of the COVID-19 pandemic due to a surge in cases Omicron. Deputy Dean for Alumni Cooperation and Community Service FK-KMK Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Yodi Mahendradhata said, currently the Omicron variant has eliminated Delta.
“This spike in cases is real, we have entered wave 3 with a peak predicted at the end of February 2022. AHS UGM needs to maximize its potential to face the Omicron variant,” said Yodi as quoted from the UGM website.
He hoped that the government would be more prepared by prioritizing national policy mitigation. This can be done through strengthening the referral and communication system as well as community shelters and field hospitals.
“This consolidation is to strengthen what has been prepared so that mitigation efforts can be carried out optimally,” said Yodi.
Can Cause Emergency Situations such as Delta Waves
FK-KMK UGM epidemiologist Riris Andono Ahmad said the Omicron cases in England, India, the United States, and Australia might create an emergency situation, like the Delta wave in Indonesia or the other way around.
“If we look globally, today is indeed Omicron managed to push cases much higher than the previous variant. Although with a smaller death toll than the Delta variant wave. Omicron is the largest contributor to cases in Europe and Australia, but for Asia it is still relatively small for now,” he said.
He hopes that Indonesia learns from the trend of India’s cases, because this country will experience an increase in cases after India experiences a decline.
High Reinfection Rate
The UGM epidemiologist stated that the general symptoms of Omicron are relatively the same as other variants, including those without symptoms or being asymptomatic. However, the reinfection rate of the Omicron variant was higher than that of the other variants.
“Data from the UK show that Omicron has 16 times the reinfection ability. High vaccination achievement does not mean we will be able to avoid the spread of Omicron. The problem is that when hospitalization and mortality rates are low, with higher transmission, Omicron can produce a higher effect than the Delta variant, ” he added.
For this reason, empathy needs to be observed in dealing with Omicron. The presentation is as follows:
1. Cases of high infection raise the need for much greater isolation as a form of anticipation.
2. The number of hospitalizations may be the same as or higher than the Delta wave if cases of Omicron infection rise rapidly.
3. Omicron’s death toll could be the same as the Delta wave.
4. The high number of cases of children with the Omicron variant raises the need for child-friendly isolation places.
5. Unvaccinated and comorbid communities are vulnerable or at high risk of hospitalization and death due to variants Omicron.
Watch Videos “Epidemiologists Cite Omicron Death Risk Similar To Delta“
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