Gov’t Calls for Caution as Omicron Surge Predicted to Peak in February-March

Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin delivers a statement after a Limited Cabinet Meeting on Sunday (01/16). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung)

The surge in Omicron variant transmission in Indonesia is predicted to peak in mid-February to early March this year, according to Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

“The first time we identified (the Omicron variant of COVID-19) in Indonesia was in mid-December (last year) and the number of cases started to rise in early January. In 35-65 days, there will be a relatively high number of transmissions. We must be ready,” Budi said after a limited cabinet meeting on Sunday (01/16).

According to Budi, hospital admission for Omicron patients in several countries ranges from 30 to 40 percent compared to the hospitalization of that of the Delta variant.

“Even though the increase of cases is faster and higher, hospital admission is lower,” he said, adding that the public should remain vigilant and not panic.

The Minister also said that the Government continues to closely monitor the condition of Omicron confirmed patients who require hospital treatment. Of the approximately 500 cases of Omicron, 300 of them have been recovered.

Approximately 90 percent of local transmissions of the Omicron variant occurred in capital Jakarta, Budi added.

The Government, he added, will also impose stricter enforcement of health protocols supported by the utilization of PeduliLindungi app.

In addition, testing and tracing measures will also be reinforced with support from the Indonesian Nasional Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), he added.

The Minister went on to say that the Government will also step up COVID-19 booster vaccination rollout and ensure supply of medicine needed by COVID-19 patients.

“The President’s directive is to ensure that the medicine is not only made available at community health centers or government hospitals but also available at pharmacies,” the Minister remarked. (FID/UN) (RI/EP)