By: Faldiaz Anggayana)*
The Omicron variant of Corona has entered Indonesia. Even though it has been vaccinated, people still have to obey health protocols so they don’t get infected by the Omicron variant Corona or others.
The Covid-19 virus has mutated into new variants and the last one found was the Omicron variant. Corona Omicron was first discovered in South Africa and neighboring countries. Lastly, Corona Omicron has entered Singapore and Malaysia.
However, the virus resulting from this mutation has already entered Indonesia, because 3 workers at the Wisma Atlet were found to be positive for Corona and one of them was infected with Omicron. This information was stated by the Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin. This is surprising because people are afraid of contracting Corona Omicron.
The Wisma Atlet was immediately sealed from the outside and all patients and medical personnel inside were fully quarantined, so that the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus could not be infected outside. Wisma Atlet is indeed a place that is prone to Corona transmission because it is an emergency hospital during the pandemic period as well as a quarantine place for civilians who have traveled abroad.
President Jokowi advised all Indonesian people to continue to comply with health protocols so as not to be exposed to the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus. The President advised the public not to panic and immediately vaccinate. In addition, he also asked the people to remain disciplined in implementing health protocols and prohibit all Indonesian citizens from traveling abroad, including officials.
The public should not panic because Omicron was only found in one place and immediately sealed, so that in the future, it is hoped that there will be no transmission of this new type of Corona. In addition, health protocols must be maintained so as not to be exposed to the Covid-19 virus, either the Omicron variant or others.
Discipline in adhering to health protocols has recently decreased somewhat. Even though you have been vaccinated, you can’t take your mask off carelessly. However, you must still obey the rules, wear double masks, and obey other points in the health protocol. Vaccines do increase the body’s immunity but are increasingly being refined with the discipline of health protocols.
The decrease in compliance with health protocols could be due to an easing, because almost all regions have PPKM level 1 status (not level 4 like a few months ago) and there are no longer red zones. Unfortunately, this easing has actually backfired because many people are holding large-scale weddings like the period before the pandemic. Even though the rules are only a small celebration and a maximum of 50% of guests of the building’s capacity.
The health protocol must still be enforced because the Omicron variant Corona has different characteristics than other variants. In the past, Covid patients felt hot and anosmic (unable to smell aroma) but when infected with the Omicron variant, their bodies tire easily and can still smell. Therefore, an OTG can be negligent because they are secretly exposed to Corona Omicron.
We don’t know who the OTG affected by Corona Omicron are around, therefore we must continue to implement strict health protocols. Apart from still being obedient to wearing masks and washing hands, or using hand sanitizer, you must avoid crowds. If there is an invitation to a party, then just skip it first, while you are still afraid whether the place will comply with health protocols or not.
When Corona Omicron has entered Indonesia, the public is expected to comply with President Jokowi’s advice so as not to panic and continue to comply with health protocols. Never take off the mask when outside the house, keep washing your hands with antiseptic soap, keep your distance, reduce mobility, and comply with other points in the health protocol.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute