"The Omicron variant has entered Indonesia. For that reason, all regions must stay alert and must be careful," he said here on Saturday.
Syamsuar informed that he was working with the head of operations of Roesmin Nurjadin Airbase, Pekanbaru, to ensure Riau's oxygen house continues to function so that the province will be ready if there is a spike in cases.
In addition, he said he has urged the district and city governments to ramp up vaccinations in their areas.
"We have agreed that vaccinations should be increased to achieve the 70-percent (coverage) target by the end of 2021. Now, the vaccination coverage is 62 percent. That is why we urge districts and cities whose vaccine achievement is still below 60 percent to accelerate vaccinations immediately," he said.
Related news: Riau Governor instructs officers to use up COVID-19 vaccine stocks
The governor also asked the public to remain alert for the Omicron variant because the virus spreads more quickly.
He said that he had requested the Health Office of Riau to monitor people who have been confirmed positive for COVID-19, whether they have been infected with the Omicron variant or not.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Health confirmed the detection of the first Omicron infection in Indonesia, with a janitor at the Wisma Atlet Emergency Hospital contracting the virus.
Then, the ministry detected two more cases, bringing the total Omicron case count as of Friday to three.
One of the two patients had recently returned from South America, while the other had returned from England. Currently, they are undergoing quarantine at the Wisma Atlet Emergency Hospital.
Related news: Health Ministry again detects two new Omicron cases in Indonesia
Translator: Frislida, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
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