However, there is no indication that they are more severe
Jakarta (ANTARA) - New Omicron subvariants -- BA.4 and BA.5 -- have caused an uptick in cases of COVID-19 in various countries worldwide, Health Ministry's spokesperson Mohammad Syahril stated.

During a virtual press conference on Friday, Syahril cited a report from Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID).

According to the report, there were 6,903 sequences of the BA.4 subvariant from 58 countries. The five countries, with the most sequencing, comprised South Africa, the United States, England, Denmark, and Israel.

Meanwhile, there were 8,687 sequences of the BA.5 subvariant from 63 countries. The five countries, with the most BA.5 sequences, comprise the United States, Portugal, Germany, England, and South Africa.

"The report stated that BA.4 and BA.5 may have a faster transmission rate as compared to the previous Omicron (sub-lineages). However, there is no indication that they are more severe," Syahril stated.

To this end, the spokesperson urged people to be wary, considering the fact that the new Omicron subvariants can reduce sensitivity to therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.

Moreover, these subvariants are adept at evading immunity from both prior infection and vaccination.

Hence, Syahril appealed to the people to maintain discipline in implementing health protocols.

"(Implementing) health protocols became the first effort in addition to vaccination. We certainly do not wish for another case spike, such as with the previous Delta and Omicron variants," he stated.

The policy to wear a mask in open spaces will be evaluated in the event of a case surge due to the surfacing of new subvariants, he added.

"We certainly do want another case spike. Health protocol is our obligation. Those, who are sick and have comorbidity, are obligated to wear a mask," he remarked.

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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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