Efforts to prevent any variant can be made by continuing to apply 3M, 3T, and vaccination as well as restraining mobility. There is no other way
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Consistent implementation of health protocols, testing, contact tracing and treatment (3T), and COVID-19 vaccination remained the solution to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus variant, the cause of COVID-19, including Omicron, the Health Ministry stated.

"There is no other way to fight COVID-19 variants. We should continue to apply health protocols, maintain mobility, conduct close contact tracing, and immediately access treatment. The last one is vaccination," the Health Ministry's COVID-19 Vaccination spokesperson, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, stated during a virtual discussion on Omicron transmission here on Friday.

Health protocols could be conducted by wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping a distance or avoiding crowds, or called the 3M.

"Efforts to prevent any variant can be made by continuing to apply 3M, 3T, and vaccination as well as restraining mobility. There is no other way," she remarked.

Apart from tightening measures at entry points at international airports, Tarmizi also pressed for strengthening efforts for bringing about a change in the people's behavior to consistently apply health protocols.

Although COVID-19 cases have dropped and community activities can be conducted, people still have to comply with health protocols.

People must always wear masks correctly, maintain their distance, stay away from crowds, and wash their hands regularly.

Tarmizi appealed to the public to not panic amid the emergence of the Omicron variant but instead to stay vigilant by tightening the implementation of health protocols.

"The most important aspect is that we must remain vigilant. There is no need to panic over the surfacing of Omicron and continue to apply strict health protocols," she remarked.

The public is expected to not ignore health protocols despite the number of COVID-19 cases not rising.

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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Sri Haryati
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