jpnn.com, JAKARTA - It is important for the community to be aware of the emergence of a new variant of Covid-19, Omicron.
Although cases of Omicron have not been found in Indonesia, they have caused waves of devastation in various countries. Among them are France and England.
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"All parties must remain vigilant, considering that many countries in the world are still struggling with the third wave or even the fifth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic," said People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) chairman Bambang Soesatyo in his statement, Monday (29/11).
According to Bamsoet, more than 30,000 new cases were found in France in one day, on November 24.
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Meanwhile, in the UK, more than 40,000 positive cases of Covid-19 were found.
Conditions in Germany are more worrying, with the death toll reaching more than 100,000 cases, and the estimated daily number reaching 50,000.
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Bamsoet also said that the World Health Organization (WHO) had classified the new variant as "a variant of concern" because it had many mutations, some of which could trigger re-infection.
The variant was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on November 24, 2021.
Regarding the current conditions in Indonesia, the positivity rate is below one percent and the cure rate is more than 96 percent.
However, these conditions should not make the Indonesian people careless.
"There are several things that can be done to prevent the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia as part of defending the country, including limiting the mobility of foreigners and Indonesian citizens who come to Indonesia," Bamsoet said.
"This is especially for countries that are experiencing a spike in cases. Besides, we should selectively apply micro restrictions based on zoning risks, continue the vaccination program, obey health protocols, and implement a clean and healthy lifestyle," he added.
Previously, the Covid-19 Task Force issued a circular stating that Indonesia would temporarily suspend visas for foreigners who wanted to visit Indonesia if they came from or had visited a number of countries in Africa within the last 14 days.
The countries include South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia, and Hong Kong.
The regulation aims to prevent the entry of the Omicron variant into Indonesian territory.
However, this regulation is exempted for diplomatic and service visa holders, foreign officials at ministerial level and above, as well as state visitors.
Indonesian citizens who have a history of traveling to these countries in the last 14 days are still allowed to return to Indonesia with the obligation to undergo quarantine for 14 days. (antara/mcr20/jpnn)
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