TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi asked the public to not panic as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has been officially detected in Indonesia. He said that it was unavoidable as the transmission was very rapid.

"To stay vigilant is important, but don't be panic," the president said Thursday, Dec. 16.

The president said that so far, the Omicron variant has not shown life-threatening characteristics for Covid-19 patients, especially patients who have received the Covid-19 vaccine.

"What we have to do together now is trying our best to prevent the wider spread of the Omicron variant. Don't let the local transmission occur," said the president.

He said that all the people must attempt to maintain the improving situation in Indonesia. Joko Widodo demands that the number of positive cases to remain low, and the transmission rate must be monitored to stay under 1.

"Although the situation in the country is nearing to normal, but dont let your guard down in implementing the health protocols. Keep wearing your masks, physical distancing, and washing your hands. As for the regional governments, I demand to increase the testing and tracing," Jokowi remarked.

Read: Indonesia Announces First Case of Omicron Variant

Egi Adyatama