By: Dita Latifah ) *
S aat the pandemic has not been completed, there is a threat that viral mutation corona . This is of course more and more confusing for doctors, members of the Covid-19 task force, and epidemiologists. The reason is because if it is not prevented, there will be a surge in patients and the pandemic will end someday.
It has been 13 months after the announcement of the first corona patient in Indonesia. The pandemic turned the situation in society upside down, especially in the economic field. The restoration of the effects of the pandemic in the health and financial sectors has not yet been completed, but now there is a new threat in the form of virus mutations.
In India, there have been cases of mutation of the Covid-19 virus into type B.1,617. The mutation of the virus is more dangerous because it causes infection more quickly than the old version of the virus. In the covid-19 virus type B.1.617, there are 2 key mutations in the corona virus spike protein to bind cells more effectively, resulting in infection.
The mutation of the virus in India is adding to their suffering, because previously there was news about a surge in Covid patients there. The reason is because there is a ritual called Kumbh Mela, where many people bathe in the Ganges river. Many people jostled to plunge there, without wearing masks and keeping their distance.
In the aftermath of this incident, the epidemiological predictions were proven. As many as more than 1,000 people infected with the covid-19 virus due to their own actions that do not comply with health protocols. As of today there are 60 people who died and langs u ng cremated. The mass deaths are certainly heartbreaking, and make many countries prohibit their citizens from traveling to India.
Apart from taking many lives, this incident also caused the Covid-19 virus to mutate into type B.1.617. This is the origin of the virus mutation, as a result of human behavior that does not want to be orderly. It was really sad when they entered the Ganges river for their health and safety, instead ending up in the hospital bed.
Reflecting on the ill-fated events in India, don’t let it happen in Indonesia too. Indeed, there are no reports that this virus has entered the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. However, isn’t it better for us to prevent than to cure? Do not let Indonesia have many virus mutations, starting from type B117 to B.1.617, because it will make the pandemic duration even longer.
To prevent the Covid-19 virus from mutating, we must be more disciplined in implementing health protocols. Don’t get tired of wearing a mask when leaving the house, even if it’s only on the front porch or to the neighboring stalls. When you arrive at the office, don’t take off your mask, because there could be a colleague who is an OTG.
Wash your hands diligently and provide a bottle of hand sanitizer in the bag. When outdoors, spray hand sanitizer at least every 2 hours. Also bring bottles filled with antiseptic liquid to sterilize seats and tables, and also bring your own spoon and other cutlery when forced to eat outside the home.
Crowding is also the cause of virus mutations. Refrain from holding social gatherings, reunions, parties, or other activities that invite the masses. Holding the event at home does not mean it is safe, because it could be that one of the guests is an OTG. So, we have to increase our alertness by 200%.
You better bother a little and increase your budget to buy disposable masks , hand sanitizers , antiseptic fluids, and other safety devices. Instead of already being sick and languishing for more than 2 weeks because of being infected with the covid-19 virus. Prevention is much more important, and encourage children and partners to be in order too.
The mutation of the Covid-19 virus in India reminds us that this disease can still become more severe. To prevent this, we are obliged to implement health protocols. Don’t crowd and don’t break other protocols either.
) * The author is a citizen living in Samarinda
