By: Nofri Fahrozi )*
The arrival of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus has made the number of Corona patients continue to soar. We should be vigilant so that there will not be an explosion of cases by always obeying health protocols and orderly vaccines.
We’ve been going through a calm phase for the past few months. Even though the pandemic still exists, the number of Corona patients has decreased drastically to below 200 people per day. However, the arrival of the Covid-19 virus, the Omicron variant, ruined it, because according to data from the COVID-19 task force team, the number of patients was more than 500 people per day, or almost 3 times.
The government is trying to control this situation, because if left alone, it is feared that a third wave of Corona attacks will occur. Don’t let this third hurricane ruin everything and create a tragedy like what happened in India some time ago, because of mass deaths.
Spokesperson for the vaccination of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, stated that the predicted surge in Corona patients would occur in the second week of February 2022. In a sense, we must prepare for the worst. Don’t let it be too late so that Corona, especially the Omicron variant, spreads widely throughout Indonesia.
The Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus is indeed worth watching out for because it can spread 3 times faster than other variants of Corona. Reported by the Covid-19 task force team, currently the total number of patients with the Omicron variant of Covid is more than 500 people, even though the first Omicron case was detected in early January 2022.
To prevent the transmission of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus while at the same time avoiding the explosion of Corona cases, the public must adhere to stricter health protocols. Especially now that school children have entered 100%, so they (and their parents) are required to wear masks when outside the house. Don’t let it be because many are not following health protocols, there will be a third Corona attack and schools will be closed again.
In addition to wearing masks, people must also be diligent in washing their hands (or using hand sanitizers), maintaining distance, and reducing mobility. Especially on the rules of social distancing, do not crowd and when there is a meeting try to have a minimum distance of 1 meter between chairs. The capacity of the venue is also filled to a maximum of 50% and after the event everything is cleaned and sprayed with disinfectant.
Also obey other rules, such as reducing mobility and not being desperate to travel, especially abroad, especially when reports of patients with the Omicron variant of Covid were found from those who had traveled from abroad. Rather than languishing because of Corona, it’s better to hold back for a while. Also obey the vaccination rules for up to 2 doses and patiently wait for the booster this year.
The government also anticipates the explosion of Corona cases by setting up a special hospital. When there is an increase in Covid cases, ordinary patients with Corona patients cannot be mixed in one location for fear of transmission there.
The special hospital is also equipped with oxygen cylinders, ventilators, PPE, and other medical equipment. Completeness of medical devices must be prepared early on because when there is a spike in Corona cases, patients will fight for oxygen cylinders because the stock is not sufficient.
Health workers are also asked to be more patient and physically prepare because there are predictions of a third wave of Corona attacks. They have been vaccinated third alias booster first. In addition, health workers are also assisted by volunteers to ease their duties.
We should be aware of the third wave of Corona attacks because of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus. Don’t be careless and eventually there will be fatal losses due to lack of preparation. Keep obeying the health protocols so you don’t get infected with any variant of Corona.
)* The author is a citizen/ Citizen Journalism Contributor living in Palembang