President Jokowi Urges People to Stay Vigilant as Indonesia Reports First Case of Omicron

President Joko Widodo delivers a press statement on COVID-19 development at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Thursday (12/16). (Source: Screenshot from Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has urged the people to be vigilant of the Omicron variant as the first case of this new COVID-19 variant has been reported on Indonesian soil.

“What we must do now is to join hands to prevent the Omicron variant from spreading in the country. We must prevent local transmissions,” the President said in a press statement on COVID-19 development streamed on the YouTube channel of Presidential Secretariat, Thursday (12/16), from Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

The Head of State also urged the people to keep the situation in the country under control by maintaining the number of active cases low and monitoring the transmission rate.

“Staying vigilant is important, but this development should not make us panic. Thus far, the Omicron variant has not shown any characteristic that endanger the life of patients, especially patients who have been vaccinated,” he said.

Therefore, the President called on the people who have not received the first or second jab of vaccine to immediately visit health care facilities to get inoculated.

The President also appealed to the people to remain disciplined in observing strict health protocols.

“Although the situation at home is gradually returning to normal, everyone must not neglect health protocols. Wear a facemask, maintain a safe distance, and wash hands,” he emphasized, while also ordering regional governments to increase testing and tracing patients’ close contacts.

“I order all citizens and state officials to refrain from traveling abroad, at least until the situation improves,” he remarked. (TGH/AIT/ST) (DH/EP)