Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Health Ministry's COVID-19 spokesperson Siti Nadia Tarmizi has asked all supporters of the Indonesian national football team (Timnas) to cheer for the team during its 2020 AFF Cup final outing from their homes.

"Tonight is certainly the determination night for the Garuda team at the 2020 AFF Cup final, competing against Thailand. Of course, all Indonesian people will support the team's struggle with the hashtag #garudakita to win this trophy," Tarmizi remarked at a press conference on 'Understanding Omicron and How to Prevent It' here on Wednesday.

She also sought all parties' cooperation for ensuring health protocol compliance to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

"Let us support the Garuda team from our homes to avoid crowding. Let's watch it together with our families," she said.

Regarding sports watching events, she advised ensuring that none of the participants at such events have COVID-19 by maximizing the use of the PeduliLindungi application.

Meanwhile, head of the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), West Jakarta, Tamo Sijabat, advised cafés and restaurants holding sports-watching events to cap their capacity at 50 percent.

In addition, organizers need to provide hand-washing facilities, hand sanitizers, and body temperature checkers, in accordance with health protocol standards, he added.

Related news: Jakarta maintains health protocol in mass transit against Omicron

According to Tarmizi, 21 additional Omicron cases have been detected in the country as of Wednesday. The patients—16 Indonesians and 5 foreign nationals—have a history of international travel, she informed.

Thus, the total number of Omicron cases as of December 29, 2021, has reached 68, she informed.

"Currently, five of the patients of Omicron variant are being treated at Sulianti Saroso Hospital, and the other 16 at Wisma Atlet Emergency Hospital," she said.

The 2020 AFF Cup final is being held in two legs on December 29, 2021, and January 1, 2022.

Related news: Health Ministry reports 21 fresh Omicron cases





Translator: Andi F, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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