TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Health Agency remains alert and continues to exercise COVID-19 contact tracing to detect the new virus variant which is rumored to have entered Thailand. The efforts are carried out in coordination with the Health Ministry’s Research and Development Agency (Litbangkes) and the private sector.

As recently reported, a parcel delivery worker in Thailand may have been infected with a new variant known as XJ which is a hybrid of the BA.1 and BA.2 sub-variants of the Omicron strain. The new variant was first detected in Finland.

The head of Jakarta Health Agency, Widyastuti, said her side continues to conduct 3T (testing, tracing, treatment) albeit the downward trend of COVID-19 in the capital. “We are also working with Litbangkes and private partners to detect new variants,” said Widyastuti to Tempo on Thursday, April 7.

She explained that the tracing is exercised by following the central government’s regulations, namely the National COVID-19 Task Force Circular issued on April 5.

It is noted that foreign travelers are required to undergo an entry test if they show COVID-19 symptoms, and fully vaccinated travelers are allowed to pass quarantine. “If their body temperature is above 37 degrees Celsius, they must take the entry test,” she said.

Read: Japan to Lift Covid Entry Ban for 106 Countries

EKA YUDHA SAPUTRA