Gov’t Braces for Omicron Surge Outside Java, Bali

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung joins a limited meeting on the evaluation of public activity restrictions (PPKM) through video conference, Monday (02/07). (Photo by: PR/Agung)

In a bid to anticipate surge in Omicron cases in areas outside the islands of Java and Bali, the Government has announced it continues to prepare healthcare facilities and infrastructure, medicine supply and to speed up vaccination drive.

“The President in his directives has ordered measures to anticipate spike in Omicron cases outside Java and to prepare the management of telemedicine and medicine supply in regions while still speeding up vaccination drive,” Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said after joining a limited meeting on the evaluation of public activity restrictions (PPKM) through video conference, Monday (02/07).

According to Airlangga, vaccination drive in regions outside the islands of Java and Bali must be accelerated adding that there are only two provinces that have exceeded vaccination coverage of 70 percent, including Riau Islands (85.6 percent) and East Kalimantan (71.2 percent), whereas vaccination coverage in other regions is in a range of 60 percent and under.

“[Administering] the second jab is really important, particularly for elderly and those with comorbidities. In addition, vaccine booster must also be speeded up to prevent severe illnesses from Omicron, which is spreading to regions outside Java,” he said.

Airlangga also told the public about the increasing trend in COVID-19 cases outside Java and Bali indicated by effective reproductive number (Rt) that has increased in some regions. The Rt in Kalimantan has increased to 1.02; Maluku 1.12; Papua 1.07; Nusa Tenggara 1.04; and Sulawesi 1.02.

Although percentage of active cases and Bed Occupancy Rate (BOR) is lower than that in Java and Bali, regions outside those two islands have seen a significant increase in COVID-19 cases.

“Daily confirmed cases outside Java and Bali are 2,405 (cases) or 6.7 percent. There are only three deaths from the total active cases of 13,424 (cases),” he said, adding that only three provinces exceeded BOR of 10 percent.

In terms of centers for isolation, there are 27,766 beds in regions outside the islands of Java and Bali where 303 beds are occupied.

“The President urged patients with mild and moderate symptoms and asymptomatic patients to get treated at the centers for isolation or to carry out self-isolation at home,” he stated.

Airlangga also underscored that international events will still be held based on schedule by observing stricter health protocols.

“There are seventeen events in G20 series to be held in February both virtual and hybrid events that will be run by observing the health protocols. We will also prepare the MotoGP in 18-20 [March] based on provisions on Instruction of the Minister of Home Affairs. Thus, vaccination drive will be further accelerated,” he said, while calling on the public to maintain discipline in observing the health protocols. (FID/UN) (RAS/EP)