"People are expected to be able to assess the risks they face when they are in a place; of course, it is wiser to use masks," Asmoro said during a talk entitled “Development of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 Subvariants in Indonesia,” accessed here on Monday.
Following the health protocols could prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, she added.
"There are still many other infectious diseases whose transmission rate could be suppressed if we use masks or follow the health protocols well," she said.
In addition to health protocols, vaccination is also key for preventing the spread of COVID-19, she pointed out.
"Although there are new variants, we have actually learned the keys for prevention, which are health protocols and vaccinations. They must be followed because regardless of the variant, the prevention remains the same," she said.
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She urged people who have not been vaccinated or have yet to get a complete dose of the vaccination to get three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine without delay.
“Those who have yet to complete (their vaccination), complete it and get the booster (dose). So, in the event you get infected, (the symptoms) will not be as severe,” she remarked.
She also urged the public not to be picky when it comes to vaccine brands because all of them provide protection against the coronavirus.
"People should not forget that we are still in the midst of a pandemic. Although there are (regulation) relaxations, don't be careless; you should anticipate (the risks) with health protocols and vaccinations," she said.
At the same talk, spokesperson for the Health Ministry, Mohammad Syahril, urged people to remain alert to the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants given that the pandemic is still on.
"Even though the subvariant is of low severity, the symptoms are mild, or there may be no symptoms, (we must be cautious) because we are still in a time of pandemic," he said.
The coronavirus could continue to mutate so discipline in health protocols and complete vaccination in the community must continuously be pushed, he added.
"This virus mutates continuously, starting from the Alpha, Delta, to Omicron variants. This mutation is a natural part of a living being, so (to counter that) we must increase our immunity, then improve (our adherence to the) health protocols," he said.
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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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