By: Galang Faizan Akbar )*
The XBB variant of the Covid-19 virus has entered Indonesia and the public must increase their vigilance. Don’t be careless by removing your mask or violating other points in the health protocol. Corona patients are increasing because of the XBB variant, therefore everyone must maintain their health and complete vaccinations.
The pandemic has been running for almost 3 years, but the corona virus has not completely disappeared from the face of the earth. This virus continues to mutate and finally there is the XBB variant, which is known to be more vicious because it spreads much faster than other variants. The public is asked to be more vigilant in dealing with this variant. Don’t even relax or think the pandemic is over.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health Mohammad Syahril stated that as of the end of November 2022, 90% of corona patients in Indonesia were infected with the XBB variant. While the rest are sick because of the Covid-19 virus variant BA.5.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, as of December 6 2022, there were 3,744 corona patients. While the previous month there were ‘only’ 3,662 people. This means that within a month there is an increase of up to 100 patients per day. All of this is because of the XBB variant of the covid-19 virus, which is indeed more contagious than other variants.
The public must be aware of the XBB variant of the Covid-19 virus because they don’t want to become the next victim. When the number of patients increases, you have to maintain your health more and comply with the protocol. Always wear a mask and comply with other points in the health protocol.
But it’s a shame that many people have already taken off their masks. Either because they are tired of the prolonged corona pandemic, or they think the pandemic is over. There needs to be more outreach in disciplining wearing masks, especially in public places. For example, in markets, supermarkets, schools, and people who don’t wear masks, they must be reprimanded and must wear them.
Then, other points in the health protocol that must be adhered to are reducing mobility and maintaining distance. Therefore the government continues PPKM until the end of the Christmas and New Year holidays, namely January 9, 2023. Even though PPKM has relatively looser rules and there are no insulation, the community is expected to be more orderly.
Especially at the end of the year when school children are on vacation. Don’t travel first if you don’t have to, because there is a threat of the XBB variant of the Covid-19 virus. If you really want to have a picnic, choose a place that is open so there is free air flow, for example a park or garden that is relatively quiet. Don’t forget to wear a mask and adhere to other points in the health protocol.
The public must also know the characteristics of being exposed to the XBB variant of the corona virus. Doctor Dyah Novita stated that a corona XBB patient felt anosmia, aka loss of sense of smell. Indeed, people who have a cold can have a blocked nose. But corona patients don’t only have colds but can’t smell any scent at all, even those that are a bit strong like the smell of alcohol.
Then, corona XBB patients feel weak in their bodies and find it difficult to get out of bed. His legs and feet ached very much and made it difficult for him to move around, even though he had just woken up and had not done any labor-intensive work.
Another characteristic of getting Corona XBB is that the patient feels very sick in the throat. Even though he had taken common cold medicine, the pain could not go away. Therefore, if there are people who have one or all of these characteristics, they are expected to come directly to the laboratory for a rapid or PCR test.
If it is positive for Corona, it will be followed up immediately and taken to the nearest hospital. Patients need not be afraid because the government is still paying for the treatment of the Covid-19 virus. As long as he has an active health BPJS card.
Meanwhile, Syahril added, the government will increase the second booster vaccination in the near future. If there is already a second booster, it will increase people’s immunity. They will not be affected by any corona variant, including XBB.
So far, the second booster vaccination is still prioritized for the elderly and health workers. But people don’t need to worry because they will get it too. Later, tickets for the vaccine will be obtained on the PeduliLindungi application, complete with the date.
The public is obliged to complete their vaccines, both the first and second boosters. The coverage of the first booster vaccination is still below 50% and there needs to be awareness so that they complete the vaccine. The goal is not to get infected with any corona variant.
In Indonesia, the XBB variant of the corona has entered, and it spreads more quickly, causing a surge in patients. Don’t let there be a fourth wave of attacks from the covid-19 virus because of XBB’s actions. Therefore, the community needs to memorize the characteristics of the XBB variant. Also disciplined in adhering to health protocols and completing vaccinations up to the second booster.
)* The author is a contributor to Persada Institute