TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia has logged yet another daily COVID-19 case spike after confirming 9,905 cases on Friday, January 28. These numbers have grown by over 1,000 cases compared to Thursday's 8,077 daily cases.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo explained that the case growth will continue for a couple of weeks, especially considering the current spread of the Omicron variant. However, he assured the government was prepared to face this situation.

“The improvements in a number of health facilities have been adjusted to the Omicron variant that is different from other variants, which needs a different way of handling it,” said the President in a virtual press conference on January 28.

He reminded that the government had prepared a number of telemedicine services as not every patient exposed to Omicron needs direct health services.

“The symptoms are somewhat harmless. Most importantly is to minimize contact because through this we can avert a broader spread,” he added.

However, he suggested people who have tested positive for asymptomatic COVID-19 conduct self-isolation for five days and seek medical treatment once they also feel symptoms such as coughs, flu, and signs of fever. The President said proper handling of early symptoms can help remove pressures on health facilities.

Read: Omicron Contributes 4.25 Percent of COVID-19 Caseload in Indonesia

MOH KHORY ALFARIZI