"The Omicron cases in Indonesia (have been detected) in travelers coming from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Hence, people are advised to re-consider if they want to go on vacation there," spokesperson for COVID-19 vaccinations for the ministry, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, said in a written statement here on Wednesday.
With the increase in cases, the number of Omicron patients in Indonesia has reached 68, she noted.
The 21 new Omicron patients—16 Indonesian citizens (WNI) and 5 foreign nationals (WNA)— had a history of overseas travel, Tarmizi added.
Meanwhile, she pointed out, most arrivals from overseas in Indonesia were from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and most of the Omicron patients in the country were international travelers.
She then urged the public not to panic about the emergence of the Omicron variant in Indonesia.
Related news: Jakarta intensively coordinates with health ministry to halt Omicron
Tracing efforts are being intensified in many regions for the early detection of the Omicron variant to prevent its spread, Tarmizi said.
"Yesterday night, there were some evacuations of patients in some health service facilities, but those are not necessarily Omicron variant cases, maybe just (another variant of) COVID-19," she explained.
Tightening of surveillance at the country's entry points will continue to be carried out, especially at the sea and land borders, she added. "Positivity rates (among arrivals) at sea and land entrances are 10 times higher than that of the air," Tarmizi highlighted.
She also advised the public to reduce mobility and remain disciplined in implementing the health protocols.
"Self-awareness and the suppression of desire to travel needs to be done. I ask the public to work together for preventing the transmission of COVID-19 by refraining from traveling," she said.
Related news: Ministry asks people to reduce mobility amid Omicron threat
Translator: Andi F, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
