"This is something that must be encouraged to ensure that our people have (stronger) immunity, so that they can avoid the risks that had occurred," he noted in a statement received here on Thursday.
Prabowo received a report on increased target of vaccination recipients, Thursday, with the aim of administering 90 thousand doses.
Usually, they were targeting to administer some 50 to 60 thousand doses. The report was received while he was observing the vaccination event at the Sports Center of Ogan Komering Ilir District, South Sumatra, on Thursday.
He warned the public of the spike in the number of cases of the Omicron variant that also spread to areas outside the Java and Bali regions. The police chief also pointed to an increase in the national death toll.
To address the issue, Prabowo urged all parties to remain cautious before matters worsened. Among the efforts they could take include receiving the COVID-19 booster dose once they are eligible for it.
Currently, the mortality rate due to the Omicron variant was still low, around two to three percent, he noted. However, this will certainly disrupt community activities and remain a risk for the elderly, who have yet to receive the complete doses of the vaccine.
Prabowo stated that the target for vaccine recipients was expected to increase, with the second dose capped at 70 percent and the first dose at 90 percent.
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At the event, two thousand people were vaccinated, he noted. Prabowo's entourage comprised the governor, regional police chief, and district military commander.
Prabowo emphasized that apart from vaccination, the public must also stringently follow the health protocols, including wearing masks .
He suggested extensive use of isolation centers in areas with high positivity rate in case the patient's self-isolation did not go well.
"We expect that everyone will continue to work together to ensure that all regions are ready to face the Omicron variant," he said.
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Translator: Putu Indah S, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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