"The public is recommended to get the booster shot because the latest Omicron sub-variant, Arcturus, has been detected in Indonesia. So far, there have been two cases of Arcturus and (one) patient has recovered," head of public communication and services at the ministry Siti Nadia Tarmizi said here on Friday.
The Arcturus sub-variant or Omicron XBB.1.16 has reportedly caused a case spike in a number of countries, including India, she noted.
In Indonesia, COVID-19 cases are currently under control but people will need to continue to increase vigilance as the Eid exodus period is drawing closer.
On a separate occasion, professor of pulmonology and respiratory medicine at the University of Indonesia (UI) and YARSI University postgraduate director, Tjandra Yoga Aditama, said that the government has not entirely lifted the pandemic status so it is advisable for people to remain vigilant against COVID-19 transmission.
"Those who have not obtained the booster shot, get it soon. Live a healthy lifestyle and follow reliable information on health," he said.
At least 68.69 million people or 37.83 percent of the targeted 234.66 million recipients have received the first booster shot, with West Java being the province with the highest booster shot administration at 15.47 million doses.
Government spokesperson for COVID-19 handling, Reisa Broto Asmoro, invited the public to get the booster vaccination to ensure a safe and comfortable Eid exodus.
Asmoro said vaccines are important for forming optimal antibody levels as people gather with one another during Eid.
"Vaccines take one to two weeks after injection to form an optimal defense (through antibodies). So before going home next week and meeting with families, we have to get vaccinated first," she said.
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Translator: Andi F, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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