Epidemiologist Says New COVID-19 JN.1 Variant Behind Surge in Infections
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11 December 2023 22:01 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - COVID-19 infection in Jakarta has been on the rise since November 2023. The Jakarta Health Agency recorded 80 positive cases from November 3 to December 3, an increase of 90 percent.
An epidemiologist dr. Dicky Budiman said he had discussed the current situation with his colleagues in Europe. “Last night we discussed here [in Italy] that it [infection] is increasing worldwide,” Dicky told Tempo on Monday, December 11, 2023.
According to him, this can be seen in the increase in hospital admissions due to the emergence of a new virus variant, JN.1.
Dicky noted that this sub-variant is very easy to mutate and infect people. “The JN.1 sub-variant is very easy to infect,” he said.
He also believed that JN.1 is more resistant to vaccination. However, he stressed that people can avoid it by implementing the 5M health protocol; keeping a safe distance, washing hands, wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, and reducing mobility).
“Vaccination remains fundamental, but 5M is no less important,” Dicky said.
The epidemiologist hoped that the government would take serious measures in response to this worrying phenomenon. “Booster vaccination seems to be effective in overcoming this infection. We hope that the government and the public will raise awareness about this increase [in COVID-19 infection,” he said.
Earlier today, Dec. 11, the Jakarta Health Office confirmed that there were two COVID-19 deaths in December 2023. These were found after no deaths were reported in the capital city for two consecutive months in October and November.
ALIF ILHAM FAJRIADI
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