By: Made Prawira )*
At the beginning of 2022, Covid-19 cases experienced an upward trend. The increasing number of Covid patients makes us have to be more vigilant and always disciplined in obeying health protocols.
The pandemic has not ended and the situation has not improved when the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus entered Indonesia, causing a spike in cases. According to data from the Covid-19 Task Force, as of January 30, 2022, there were more than 12,000 patients, whereas last month there were only under 500 cases per day, so that currently the occupancy rate of beds in hospitals has increased by 45%.
The trend of increasing Corona cases is due to the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus. Although Covid patients infected with Omicron are reported to have only mild symptoms, but don’t underestimate it, because this variant spreads 70 times faster than other variants. It’s true, after there were 2 cases of Omicron transmission, there was an explosion of patients and when not controlled, we might get a wave attack. third.
In order to prevent the situation from being stable, vaccination is mandatory, without exception, for Indonesian citizens over the age of 6 years. Especially for children, vaccination is a mandatory requirement before face-to-face learning, because they are more at risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus than adults. Vaccination is very important because it increases immunity while accelerating the formation of group immunity, so it is safe from corona.
There was talk about vaccination being a requirement before taking care of important documents or other bureaucracy, and although it has not been 100% implemented, the CPNS test committee already requires that the original vaccine letter must be shown, as a sign that prospective participants have been vaccinated. As prospective civil servants, they have to obey the rules, right?
In addition to vaccination, we must memorize the characteristics of being exposed to the Omicron variant corona. First, the most visible is the absence of anosmia, aka loss of sense of smell. So that the initial exposure to this variant of Covid only looks like the common cold, but don’t underestimate it because it could be that the virus has already spread in the body.
The next characteristic of humans affected by Omicron is a weak body condition and easily tired. When the dizziness is unbearable and does not heal, it is better to go to the doctor. Later the doctor will look at the characteristics that are on the body and suggest a rapid test or swab to confirm whether or not it is positive for Corona.
If the doctor has seen the results and it turns out to be positive, then don’t just self-isolate for 14 days. However, look for a room in the hospital to get intensive care and the right medication. Don’t just rely on ordinary medicine from the shop or just drink warm water and herbs, because the Omicron variant corona is not an ordinary disease.
Keep in mind that Omicron is 70 times more infectious than other variants and lives are at stake. It’s better to be treated in a hospital than self-isolation and then the condition drops and just looks for medical help there. Although the body condition is relatively stable, if you are positive for Covid, don’t be careless, let alone wander around, even if you wear a mask. You certainly don’t want to be a virus spreader, do you?
When all Indonesian citizens obey the health protocol and have been vaccinated twice (if possible with a booster) then they will be safe from corona. The reason is because people’s immunity is good and it is not easy to catch the Covid-19 virus, especially the Omicron variant. When everyone is disciplined and unified, there will be no increase in corona cases as predicted by epidemiologists.
)* The author is a contributor to the Press Circle and Cikini Students