Jakarta (ANTARA) - People with comorbidities must complete their COVID-19 vaccination without delay to prevent severe symptoms and complications arising from a SARs-COV-2 infection, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture has said.

Speaking here on Friday, deputy for the coordination of health quality improvement and population development at the ministry, Agus Suprapto, also urged people with comorbidities to undergo routine examinations.

"Routine examination is necessary to keep the disease under control. Consume the drugs that the doctor has prescribed while also implementing better health protocols," he remarked.

Currently, the government has prepared optimal health service facilities for handling the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

“The existing health service facilities also have adequate experience in treating COVID-19 patients,” he noted.

Despite this, several strategic programs that the government has prepared need to be supported by the people's active role in preventing the spread of COVID-19, he said.

"This can be done by strengthening the health protocols. Those who have not been vaccinated and received the booster are expected to immediately look for vaccination service," Suprapto said.

He also urged the people to always take care of themselves and the people around them.

"Let us maintain our health together, starting from ourselves and our families to form a healthy family," he said.

Suprapto also stressed the importance of COVID-19 examination, tracing, and handling capacity once again to anticipate the spread of the new XBB sub-variant.

"Increase the number of tests, especially for those who had close contact and have comorbidities," he remarked.

Improving the capacity of COVID-19 examination, tracing, and handling is key to curbing the spread of COVID-19, including the new XBB sub-variant, he informed.

"It should be underlined that the more tests there are, the better because the number of cases among the public can be known in real time," he explained.

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Translator: Wuryanti P, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Suharto
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