Immediately take booster vaccinations to reduce illness and mortality due to COVID-19
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Health Ministry urged the public to immediately undergo booster vaccinations, as the number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia rose within the last week.

"Immediately take booster vaccinations to reduce illness and mortality due to COVID-19," the ministry's spokesperson, Muhammad Syahril, noted here, Tuesday.

Indonesia is not yet safe from the COVID-19 pandemic due to the emergence of a new variant mutation called the XBB subvariant, he remarked.

Some 12 cases of the XBB subvariant were reported in Indonesia, he stated.

According to statistics, within the last week, a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases was reported in 30 provinces across Indonesia.


Related news: Most hospitalized COVID-19 patients showing mild, moderate symptoms


At the national level, within the last four days, an increase of around 4,700 to 4,900 cases was recorded. On Tuesday, the confirmed figure of positive cases had reached 6,601.

"The XBB variant has a faster transmission. We need to be wary and always protect ourselves," he remarked.

He urged the people to prioritize the implementation of health protocols, such as by wearing a mask both indoors and outdoors, avoiding crowds, washing hands using soap, and getting tested if they experience COVID-19 symptoms.

"Wear a mask diligently. The goal is not just to protect ourselves but also other people around us," he explained.

Related news: COVID-19 cases to peak in Dec or Jan: Health Minister


The public is urged to use the ministry's Self Isolation (Isoman) telemedicine access service. Thus, COVID-19 positive people will be able to receive free consultation and free medicine services.

"This applies as long as you conduct testing in the laboratories affiliated with the Health Ministry," Syahril stated.

According to the spokesperson, prevention efforts in the upstream continue to be maintained, as a precautionary measure against a spike in cases, starting from the readiness of hospitals and other health service facilities to strengthening tracing and testing.

Related news: Intensify COVID-19 testing capacity amid XBB case spike: Minister

Related news: BPOM supports using two local COVID-19 vaccines for booster

Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022