TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Society of Respirology (PDPI) issues seven recommendations in dealing with the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Last week, the Health Ministry announced two deaths of the variant of concern.

Here are the seven recommendations released for the government and the public:

1. The public is asked to immediately undergo a complete two-dose vaccination. “Because the data shows that most of Omicron patients who have been vaccinated are asymptomatic,” said the PDPI chairperson of the infection working group, Erlina Burhan, at a press conference, Monday, January 24.

2. The public is encouraged to apply health protocols as the variant is easily transmitted, such as wearing masks, keeping a distance, washing hands, not traveling unless urgent, avoiding crowds, and limiting mobilization.

3. The public is asked to stay vigilant and acknowledge the symptoms that include dry cough, sore throat, fatigue, stuffy or runny nose, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and diarrhea.

“Although it seems mild, the data report worsening symptoms, especially in the elderly, people with comorbidities, and children,” Erlina underlined.

4. The public is asked to check to the nearest health facility or self-isolate at home if experiencing those symptoms. Erlina also suggested health care discipline, taking vitamins, getting more rest, and not delaying self-examination to health facilities.

5. Each individual is expected to be an educational agent about COVID-19 related to the Omicron variant, its symptoms and complaints, methods of prevention, and procedures for self-isolation.

6. PDPI hopes that the government will increase testing, tracing, and treatment or 3T activities. The government is also urged to achieve targets of primary and booster vaccination coverage, as well as map and prepare centralized isolation centers to anticipate a further spike in cases.

7. The public is suggested to remain vigilant and not panic over the Omicron variant.

Read: Health Ministry Reports 2 Omicron Deaths

FRISKI RIANA