Hence, the cases were asymptomatic or only had mild symptoms.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Spokesperson for COVID-19 vaccinations for the Health Ministry Siti Nadia Tarmizi has said that the first local transmission of Omicron variant should alert the public to the risk of the domestic spread of the new variant.

"It should be our concern that a local transmission case of Omicron variant has been identified," she emphasized at a press conference here that was broadcast on FMB9's YouTube channel on Wednesday.

Twenty-one additional Omicron cases were confirmed on Wednesday, which comprised 16 Indonesian citizens and five foreign nationals, all of whom had a history of international travel, she noted.

The new cases took the total Omicron tally to 68, she said,

The travelers were mostly Indonesian migrant workers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, she informed.

Of the 21 new patients, 9 showed mild symptoms and 12 had no symptoms, she added.

Currently, five patients are being treated at Sulianti Saroso Hospital and 16 at the Wisma Athlete Hospital, Jakarta, she said.

"Again, we urge all Indonesians to postpone traveling abroad due to the high risk of Omicron transmission," Tarmizi said.

However, if traveling abroad due to any urgent matter, people must continue carrying out strict health protocols, she added.

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

All 68 people confirmed to be infected with the Omicron variant have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, she disclosed.

"Hence, the cases were asymptomatic or only had mild symptoms," she noted.

According to the tracing conducted by the ministry, the travelers were mostly returning from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, England, and the United States, she said.

Thus, the public is advised not to go to these countries in the near future, she added.

Furthermore, the government has continued to tighten surveillance at Indonesia’s entry points, especially at the land and sea borders, Tarmizi said.

Related news: Health Ministry reports 21 fresh Omicron cases



Translator: Andi Firdaus, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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