Local Transmission of Omicron Discovered in 9 Regions: Ministry

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Health Ministry reported there were 749 cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 as of Monday, January 17. The ministry’s director for infectious disease prevention and control, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, said most of the cases were found among international travelers.

Of the total 749 cases, 570 cases were from overseas travelers, 155 cases were local transmission, and the other 24 cases are still being examined for the virus variant.

Cumulatively, the majority of arrivals were from Turkey, the United States, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, community spread cases were found in nine regions. “Mostly detected in Jakarta at 135 cases,” said Nadia on Monday, January 17.

Additionally, six cases were found in Surabaya, four cases in Bandung, four cases in South Tangerang, two cases in Depok, one case in Bogor, one case in Malang Regency, one case in Malang City, and one case in Madiun Regency.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said more than 90 percent of community transmission occurred in Jakarta.

“So, we really have to prepare specifically for Jakarta as the first battlefield against Omicron and we have to make sure we can handle the war against Omicron in Jakarta,” said Budi on Sunday.

The government is determined to accelerate the booster vaccination program for the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabek) to anticipate a wave of the new virus variant.

“[Vaccine boosters for] all people of Jakarta, Jabodetabek area will be accelerated so they are ready when the Omicron wave rises quickly and significantly,” Minister Budi said.

Read: Minister Luhut Calls for Return of 'Work from Home" amid Omicron

DEWI NURITA