"Of the 414 people being treated for Omicron, 114 people, or around 26 percent, have recovered, including two patients, who were in the moderate category and needed oxygen treatment, so that they can return home," Sadikin stated in an online press conference here, Monday.
To this end, the minister concluded that although the Omicron variant can transmit faster among people, it is less severe in nature.
Sadikin admitted that a spike in Omicron transmission could give rise to another COVID-19 wave that is higher than that caused by Delta earlier. However, the number of patients undergoing treatment would be much lower. Hence, people are urged to not panic.
"We will face this Omicron wave. No need to panic. We have prepared ourselves well, and based on our experience, although it increases quickly, the Omicron wave will decline quickly too," he remarked.
Sadikin highlighted that strictly implementing health protocols, conducting surveillance, and revving up vaccinations are essential factors in handling the pandemic.
The minister drew attention to several strategies in dealing with the Omicron variant, including by shifting health services that were focused on hospitals to being provided at home.
The government has cooperated with 17 telemedicine platforms to ensure people undergoing treatment at home can consult with doctors and have access to medicines, he remarked.
"We have also cooperated with one start-up in the logistics sector and state-owned pharmaceutical company Kimia Farma to ensure medicines are shipped," he added.
On the occasion, Sadikin also conveyed that the Ministry of Health had studied in detail the symptoms experienced by 414 Omicron patients in Indonesia.
Related news: Government to segregate data on local, imported COVID-19 cases
Related news: Jakarta to impose micro-lockdowns to stem COVID spread
Related news: Minister urges public to restrain from traveling abroad
Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
