Of course, we hope the storm of delta variant transmissions will not occur outside Java. But if we learn of a surge in COVID-19 transmission cases in Java, the regions outside Java must brace for the worst-case scenarioJakarta (ANTARA) - A lawmaker has requested that all Indonesian provinces brace for worst-case scenarios in facing the delta variant of COVID-19.
The highly infectious variant has been detected in several regions outside Java and Bali, Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Commission IX Charles Honoris said in a written statement released on Wednesday.
"Of course, we hope the storm of delta variant transmissions will not occur outside Java. But if we learn of a surge in COVID-19 transmission cases in Java, the regions outside Java must brace for the worst-case scenario," he said.
The government must also ensure that health facilities in all provinces are prepared for a COVID-19 case spike, he said.
Oxygen concentrators, medicines and beds at health facilities outside Java must be made available to anticipate a surge in COVID-19 cases due to the presence of the delta variant, he said.
The second wave of COVID-19 cases has almost paralyzed the health system in Java, he noted.
"In Java, we are facing a situation where health facilities have been overwhelmed, COVID-19 drugs are difficult to obtain, and oxygen stocks become scarce," he said.
In general, health facilities outside Java are not as good as those in Java. Therefore, if the spread of the delta variant of COVID-19 outside Java is not anticipated properly, then a surge in COVID-19 cases will not be inevitable and will potentially paralyze the health system, he said.
In addition, the mobility of people outside Java must also be tightened now that the delta variant is believed to be more transmissible and to have spread throughout 510 districts and cities in the country's 34 provinces.
Translator: Boyke Ledy W, Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
