This is the real proof that the government is ready to handle Omicron.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Despite a significant spike in Omicron cases, there is no need for the government to pull the emergency brake to implement emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM) yet, the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) has said.



"The latest weekly data shows that, despite the significant surge in case count, the hospital occupancy rate is still under control," KSP expert staff Abraham Wirotomo noted in a written statement issued on Tuesday.



"Thus, pulling the emergency brake is not yet necessary," he said.



According to Wirotomo, the government's readiness against the Omicron has improved because it has involved experts and referred to data as well as scientific studies.



Omicron's fatality rate is also lower compared to the Delta variant, he pointed out.


Related news: Gov't intensifies vaccination, telemedicine to handle Omicron surge



Based on data, the government has implemented a policy wherein asymptomatic patients or patients with mild symptoms can undergo self-isolation or centralized isolation, he noted.



Meanwhile, the government is prioritizing treating the elderly or people with comorbidities at hospitals, he said.



"This is the real proof that the government is ready to handle Omicron," Wirotomo added.



He also assured that the PPKM level in each region will be adjusted based on an evaluation.


Related news: Two regions outside Java achieve above-70 percent vaccination target



Several indicators will determine the PPKM level such as the hospital bed occupancy rate (BOR) and vaccination coverage, he said.



"Based on the President's directive during the limited PPKM evaluation meeting (on Monday), vaccination coverage should continue to be bolstered and the health protocol has to be more stringent," he informed.



The policy to implement face-to-face learning will continue as per the PPKM level, in accordance with the Four Ministers Joint Decree and the Education, Culture, Research, and Technology as well as the Religious Affairs Minister's Circulation Letter, he said.



"There are no changes when it comes to face-to-face learning," he remarked.


Related news: West Java has entered the third COVID-19 wave: Governor Kamil

Related news: Indonesia logs 26,121 COVID-19 cases in single day

Translator: Indra Arief P, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022