The AY.4.2 variant is getting closer to Indonesia
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Professional Development Division of the Indonesian Association of Epidemiologists (PAEI) Dr Masdalina Pane stated that so far, there was no sign of a third wave of COVID-19 in the country.

"Regarding the third wave (of COVID-19), as of now, we have not seen any sign of the third wave of COVID-19," Pane stated during an online dialog accessed here, Friday.

To this end, she called for additional monitoring at all entry points in the country as a precautionary measure against the entry of the new COVID-19 variant, AY.4.2, from abroad.

The doctor believes such steps are necessary owing to the fact that the new COVID-19 variant had entered Indonesia's neighboring country, Malaysia.

"The AY.4.2 variant is getting closer to Indonesia," she stated.

Pane also reminded everyone to stay disciplined in following health protocols despite a decline in COVID-19 transmission in the country.

On the occasion, she addressed the low vaccination achievement that is still far from the target set to be achieved by the end of 2021.

"After 10 months, our vaccination coverage has only reached 39 percent, still quite far from the target of 70 percent. The target must be achieved by the end of this year," she emphasized.

Coordination and hard work from all parties are essential to achieving the national vaccination target in December 2021, she emphasized.

"Only two months left. Of course, we must work hard to achieve the target," she remarked.

The first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Indonesia in March 2020. According to data from the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, as of November 12, 2021, at least 4,249,758 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the country, while 4,096,664 individuals have recovered, and 143,608 people have succumbed to the virus.

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Translator: Anita Permata, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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