TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Health Agency predicted that COVID-19 cases would increase in the next one to two weeks. The agency’s head of surveillance, epidemiology, and immunization unit Ngabila Salama, cautioned the public to remain vigilant.

The situation in the city is presently under control. The occupancy rate of hospital beds for COVID-19 patients is only 5 percent.

"[But the virus trend] still needs to be monitored for the next 1-2 weeks because there is a slight potential for an increase in cases and deaths," said Ngabila in a statement on Monday, March 13.

Poor weather and the rainy season may affect the trend of respiratory tract infections (ARI), including COVID-19.

"Immunity decreases due to fatigue, stress, lack of sleep and rest, lack of physical activity (exercise), and lack of eating vegetables and fruit," Ngabila explained.

For this reason, the Jakarta Health Agency recommended the public adopt a healthy lifedata-style, for instance, wearing a mask in a crowded place or on public transportation to prevent virus transmission.

In addition, people are asked to avoid contact with people who are sick to avert the virus spread. "To avoid death and prolonged infection of COVID-19, immediately take the fourth dose of vaccination for those ages 18 and over," said Ngabila, encouraging people to get the second COVID-19 booster.

AMY HEPPY

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