In South Africa, we see (and) we learn that 87 percent of those who are treated have not been vaccinated, and 70 percent of children that are affected are under four years of age, and most of those who die are over 60 years of age
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has instructed the police force, especially the regional police guarding the national borders, to take anticipatory measures against the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron (B.1.1.529).

President Jokowi confirmed to have received news of Omicron's entry into Singapore. He delivered the statement during a briefing for the head of the regional unit in Badung District, Bali.

"Be careful, this morning, I received news that it had arrived in Singapore. In particular, this is specifically for the regional police guarding the borders with other countries, as those who brought it could be foreigners, white people, and also our own people. Moreover, it could be our workers, who come from outside, when they go back home," Jokowi noted.

The president remarked that Omicron had spread in some 29 countries. The police as well as all members of the public should remain vigilant, as Omicron is suspected to be more infectious than its counterpart, the Delta variant.


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"Remember that the Delta variant spreads within two to three weeks, and everyone immediately got affected. This is faster. Although it is not final, it is estimated that it will be five times faster," he pointed out.

In addition, Omicron can likely bypass the immune system, the president pointed out. Thus, the impact of the spread can be faster, Jokowi cautioned.

"Be careful with this, as the impacts can be felt everywhere, (be it) on the economy, as I said earlier. Hence, health protocols should continue to be imposed for the public, because this pandemic has its effects, and it has occurred in several countries, (as it affected their) economy, and then it falls. It can have an impact on politics, so be careful," he affirmed.

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The head of state spoke of the results of the study on Omicron transmission in South Africa, which was the first country where the variant was discovered. One conclusion from the data is that most Omicron cases occur in people that have not received the COVID-19 vaccine.

"In South Africa, we see (and) we learn that 87 percent of those who are treated have not been vaccinated, and 70 percent of children that are affected are under four years of age, and most of those who die are over 60 years of age," the president said.

Hence, the president has urged the police force to assist in extending the coverage of COVID-19 vaccination amid members of the public.


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Translator: Indra Arief P, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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