"As the XBB variant of COVID-19 has been found (in Indonesia), the community is reminded that the pandemic is not yet over, so strengthening health protocols is still needed," the ministry's deputy for the coordination of health quality improvement and population development, Agus Suprapto, said when contacted on Monday.
According to him, the ministry has continued to encourage and remind people to maintain their health and immunity as well as hygiene.
In addition, people must continue to keep in mind the etiquette for coughing and sneezing to prevent the spread of the virus, he noted.
He further said that people must avoid crowds and get tested immediately if they experience symptoms that may indicate a COVID-19 infection.
Amid the current weather conditions in the country, which make people more vulnerable to cough and cold, he underlined that the community must continue to strengthen clean and healthy living behaviors.
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He advised people to get more rest, exercise regularly, increase their nutritional intake, and take additional vitamins if needed.
Suprapto also highlighted the need to strengthen surveillance to prevent COVID-19 spread in the country.
Earlier on Friday (October 21, 2022), Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin had said that the XBB variant had been detected in Indonesia, and the government was monitoring the development of the case.
The minister emphasized that the country is not yet safe from the pandemic.
The first case of COVID-19 in Indonesia was confirmed in March 2020. According to data from the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, as of October 24, 2022, the nation has recorded 6,472,664 COVID-19 cases, 6,295,525 recoveries, and 158,454 deaths.
Related news: Indonesians urged to observe health protocols following XBB emergence
Translator: Wuryanti Puspitasari, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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