"Vaccination coverage is essential for dealing with the surge in cases that is starting to occur. Efforts must be made to achieve it (the target) before the third (COVID-19) spike occurs," spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, said at an online press conference, accessed from here on Tuesday.
There has been an increase in COVID-19 cases in 37 districts and cities in Java and Bali compared to last week, he informed.
The biggest increase has been seen in Central Java with 14 districts and cities affected, followed by East Java with 12 districts and cities, and West Java with 8 districts and cities, he said.
"This increase in cases has been accompanied by an increase in the number of people receiving treatment," he added.
Related news: Vaccination rate in 5 provinces lower than national average: official
During the past week, the number of people receiving treatment has increased to 248–273 people, Adisasmito said. Earlier, the bed occupancy at Wisma Atlet emergency hospital was successfully brought down to 209 people, he informed.
"While the number of cases is increasing and more people are being treated, unfortunately, the vaccination rate has decreased over the last seven weeks," he noted.
He then appealed to the public to not be picky regarding the vaccine brand used for vaccinations.
The spokesperson emphasized that all vaccines used under the national vaccination program have been approved for safety, quality, and effectiveness, based on tests conducted by the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) and monitored by related institutions and professional organizations.
To boost immunity against COVID-19, the Indonesian government launched a nationwide vaccination program on January 13, 2021. President Joko Widodo was the first vaccine recipient of the program.
According to data provided by the Health Ministry, as of November 16, 2021, nearly 131,675,335 citizens have received their first COVID-19 dose, while 85,761,511 have been fully vaccinated against the virus.
Related news: Health Ministry believes 60% vaccination target achievable by 2021-end
Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
