Gov’t Prepared to Tackle Surge in Omicron Variant Cases, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi

In light of the surge in daily COVID-19 cases, especially the Omicron variant, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has announced the Government is prepared to tackle this variant.

“Learning from the surge of the Omicron variant cases in various countries, the Government has made adequate preparations to deal with it. Various health facilities and infrastructure are improving their services to adapt to the characteristics of this variant, which is different from the previous variants and requires different handling. One of them is through telemedicine services,” the President said in a statement from Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java province, Friday (01/28).

According to the President, not all cases of Omicron COVID-19 require direct services as the symptoms are not dangerous.

“The most important thing is to minimize contact as this will prevent a wider spread,” he stressed.

For COVID-19 patients without symptoms, the President asked them to carry out self-isolation at home for five days, while for patients with mild symptoms such as cough, runny nose, or fever they can use telemedicine services or visit the nearest health center or doctor as this will reduce the burden on health facilities.

“This is important so our health facilities can be more focused more on treating patients with severe symptoms, as well as patients with other diseases who require intensive treatment,” he said.

The President also once again reminded the public to be vigilant, to be disciplined in implementing health protocols, and to reduce mobility.

“I call on you to stay calm but not panic. Always follow the health protocols, reduce unnecessary activities. Let me also remind you to take care of your own health as well as possible to increase immunity,” he said. (FID/UN) (EST/EP)