TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The national tourism sector must anticipate a surge in cases of the XBB.1.16 or Arcturus sub-variant of COVID-19 that has been detected in several neighboring countries, according to Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Lestari Moerdijat.

"Several relevant parties and the community must be alert to the condition, including those in the tourism sector," she said in a written statement received on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

According to her, stakeholders in the tourism sector and other sectors must respond to the situation wisely to curb Arcturus spread in the country.

She said that several efforts need to be made to check infection spread, such as temporarily avoiding travel to countries that are experiencing a rise in Arcturus cases and continuously implementing the health protocols at entry points to the country and tourist areas.

"People who usually take a vacation to Singapore and Malaysia, during this Eid al-Fitr holiday period, can temporarily shift their destinations to tourist destinations in the country that are no less attractive," she added.

In addition, managers of tourist areas in the country must be consistent in implementing the health protocols that are needed to curb the spread of Arcturus.

The MPR deputy speaker emphasized that good collaboration between stakeholders at the central and regional levels is crucial for preventing the spread of the Arcturus sub-variant amid increasing public mobility on account of the Eid holiday period.

She expressed the hope that people will strengthen their relationships with their families in their hometowns, travel safely and comfortably, and stay healthy during the 2023 Eid holiday period.

Earlier on Monday (April 17, 2023), director general of disease prevention and control at the Ministry of Health, Maxi Rein Rondonowu, appealed to people to remain alert against Arcturus as the sub-variant is 1.5 times more transmissible compared to XBB.1.5 or Kraken.

According to him, two cases of Arcturus were detected in Jakarta in March 2023 and the two patients have since recovered.

ANTARA

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