Jakarta (ANTARA) - The East Jakarta Persahabatan General Hospital has increased its bed capacity for COVID-19 patients following a spike in infections in the past week.

"Our capacity is being increased as of now. Of the 65 patient care beds, currently, 84.61 percent of the capacity is filled (with people)," President Director of the Persahabatan Hospital Agus Dwi Susanto informed during an online meeting, as seen here on Wednesday.

As of 6 a.m. local time on Wednesday, 55 of the hospital's 65 beds were occupied with COVD-19 patients, he said.

There was a fluctuating trend in COVID-19 patients referred to the hospital, he observed adding, more patients were likely to arrive by afternoon. Therefore, as a countermeasure, the hospital had extended its bed capacity, he explained.

The hospital's medical team is currently treating 14 patients infected with the Omicron variant, Susanto said. Among the patients, 1 has shown severe symptoms, five have moderate symptoms, and eight have mild symptoms, he added.

"In general, 50 to 60 Omicron patients experience mild symptoms. Most of the patients are elderly with comorbidities, such as tuberculosis, HIV, heart disease, and others," he informed.

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According to Susanto, 30.67 percent of Omicron patients receiving treatment at Persahabatan Hospital are outpatients from a number of areas in Jakarta.

Meanwhile, 29 non-Omicron patients with mild symptoms are currently being treated at the hospital, he said. Nine patients have moderate symptoms, two have severe symptoms, and one person is in a critical condition, he added. Further, one of the patients is a foreign citizen, he informed.

Lately, COVID-19 cases have experienced an increase, especially after the entry of the Omicron strain, he noted. Though Omicron is less threatening than the Delta strain, residents are advised to remain cautious and obey the health protocols, he said.

Recently, the Health Ministry revealed that five people have died of Omicron so far.

Related news: Jakarta Governor calls for vigilance, calm amid Omicron spike









Translator: Andi Firdaus, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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