The first case of Omicron was detected in a Surabaya resident, with the initials as TYC, after a five-day vacation with her husband, with the initials as SJJ, who used a private vehicle.
"The East Java Health Service has detected a confirmed Omicron patient based on the results of the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) examination that came out on January 2, 2022." Triyonno stated on Monday.
During TYC's holidays from December 20, 2021, to several tourist attractions, she spoke of always using the PeduliLindungi application. However, after returning home on December 25, TYC experience soreness in her throat.
On December 28, TYC checked herself into a hospital and was advised to do an RT-PCR swab test, whose result came positive on the same day, with a CT Value of 26.
Thereafter, on December 30, the results of her S-gene Target Failure (SGTF) came positive for the K417N (Delta Plus) variant and the probable Omicron variant. Later on, she was directed to undergo isolation at a hospital in Surabaya while awaiting the WGS results to come out.
Furthermore, the Surabaya Health Service immediately conducted tracing with RT-PCR swab testing on TYC's close contacts: residents in the same house, her families, and 10 of her neighbors. The result showed that one family member was confirmed positive (TGO), while the other three family members and the rest of the neighbors had tested negative.
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"The close contacts have been quarantined at home for 14 days since December 28 under the supervision of the community health center (Puskesmas) and the COVID-19 Task Force to ensure the implementation of health protocols," he stated.
Meanwhile, the TGO patient is undergoing self-isolation at a different house along with other families under close supervision as well.
The Surabaya Health Office had monitored TYC's health condition. She confirmed to not having any symptoms and being in a good condition.
"We will keep monitoring the quarantine of close contacts and will repeat the RT-PCR test on them," Triyonno noted.
Speaking in connection with the Omicron variant finding in Surabaya, he appealed to the public to remain calm and not panic.
"The most important aspect is to immediately receive vaccination for COVID-19, especially for vulnerable groups and the elderly. There is no need to travel if it is not urgent, and please continue to enforce health protocols," he added.
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Translator: Fiqih A/Willy I, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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