To this end, we should expedite vaccination and continue to remind the people the importance of implementing health protocols,Jakarta (ANTARA) - House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IX urged all regional heads to promptly vaccinate children aged six to 11 years to offer optimal protection and to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant.
Deputy Chairman of DPR's Commission IX Charles Honoris noted that vaccine stocks for children more than sufficed since vaccination was hindered in several regions.
"Hence, we urge heads of regions where the vaccinate rate is still low to promptly expedite vaccination, including for children," Honoris said while monitoring the children's vaccination activity in North Jakarta on Friday.
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Honoris expects vaccination for children to proceed smoothly in Jakarta and the other regions.
Honoris also advised citizens to not harbor concerns about the Omicron variant that has entered Indonesia.
"If we look at the early data, the Omicron variant has a far higher infection rate," he pointed out.
However, last night, the president advised against harboring excessive concerns since early data indicates that Omicron is not necessarily deadlier than the previous variants, he stated.
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Nevertheless, people should still bolster their awareness in order to stop the spread of COVID-19, including the Omicron variant, he remarked.
"Hence, in addition to vaccination, health protocols should still be strictly implemented, and the central and regional governments should continue to ensure that each region follows the health protocols," Honoris affirmed.
This especially holds relevance since Christmas and New Year celebrations are just around the corner, he emphasized.
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"The government finally cancelled PPKM (Public Activity Restriction) Level 3 across Indonesia, which will increase the people's mobility," he stated.
"To this end, we should expedite vaccination and continue to remind people of the importance of implementing health protocols," he noted.
The more vaccination is expanded, the faster the people will be protected from COVID-19, Honoris asserted.
"This is especially since there is a likelihood of a third wave of infection occurring. There is a new variant, and there is a possibility of quite high mobility in the future," he noted.
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Translator: Abdu Faisal, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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