I remind the public to reduce mobility since these new subvariants come from foreign countries, not a local mutationMataram, W Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has urged Indonesians to reduce mobility for the next two weeks as part of efforts to anticipate the spread of the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants.
"I remind the public to reduce mobility since these new subvariants come from foreign countries, not a local mutation," head of the Sub-Directorate for Recovery and Emergency Infrastructure Protection of BNPB, Budi Erwanto said in Mataram on Monday.
He made the remarks at a coordination and evaluation meeting regarding the disaster and COVID-19 response and potential findings of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants in Mataram city, the capital of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province.
"Praise God, the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 have not been detected in Mataram. We hope there will not be any," he said.
The Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants were detected in samples collected for PCR tests in Bali, he informed. Of the four cases reported --one Indonesian and three foreigners, one patient was positive for BA.4 and three for BA.5.
Three of the patients experienced no symptoms, while one patient presented with mild symptoms.
"However, they have returned to their countries. So far, no local mutations have been recorded, but we are still working for anticipation in the regions," Erwanto said.
In response to the case findings, officials from the sub-directorate visited several regions, including Mataram city, to provide support to the COVID-19 Task Force.
In addition, BNPB is also providing information on the switch in activities for the pandemic-to-endemic transition. Data indications and indicators will be provided nationally as a benchmark for each region.
"There will be data collection related to the development of COVID-19 in regions," Erwanto disclosed.
He said that the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants can still be detected using existing PCR tools since people who are suspected to be exposed show no symptoms.
"In addition, as an anticipatory measure, we will also accommodate centralized isolation for migrant workers who have just arrived at Wisma Atlet Kemayoran," he informed.
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Translator: Nirkomala, Resinta Sulistiyand
Editor: Sri Haryati
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