VP Ma’ruf Amin Calls for Speedy Handling of Omicron

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin (Photo by: BPMI of Vice-Presidential Secretariat)

In light of the recent development on the growing cases of the Omicron variant, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin ordered all relevant elements to be prepared.

“Although the Omicron variant is less severe than the Delta variant, if the number continues to increase, the potential transmission to, especially, those with comorbidities, will also put pressure on existing health care facilities. Therefore, how is our preparedness in facing the risks,” the Vice President said virtually when chairing a limited meeting on Evaluation of Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM), Monday (01/24).

Furthermore, the Vice President stated that such preparedness could be carried out by intensifying community tracing. Moreover, the spread through local transmission is also increasing.

“Those exposed to the Omicron variant are mostly asymptomatic and also those with comorbidities will have mostly mild symptoms. There is a great risk of continuous transmission in the community,” he said.

In addition, the Vice President also underscored that the COVID-19 vaccination program should continue to be accelerated for the general public, the elderly, and children.

“I ask for your attention on the report of vaccination acceleration. The booster vaccination has already started. Also, on reports related to efforts to accelerate the development of domestically-produced COVID-19 vaccine, including on the aspects of safety, efficacy, quality, and manufacturing progress so that in 2022, this domestically-made vaccine can be used by the people of Indonesia,” he said.

The Vice President also discussed evaluation on the implementation of in-person learning. He assessed that this policy requires special attention because the peak of the Omicron spread is expected to occur from February to early March.

“As of January 18, 2022, there are 41 elementary schools/high schools in Jakarta in which some of the students are exposed to COVID-19. What should we do about the continuation of this in-person learning policy? Because the spread is fast and it is even estimated that this February, it will reach its peak until the beginning of March,” he remarked. (BPMI of Vice-Presidential Secretariat/UN) (FI/LW)