By: Putu Prawira) *
The public is currently starting to be happy considering that the Covid-19 vaccine has begun to be found. The Covid-19 vaccine is also considered to be effective even though there is a new variant of the Corona virus.
Wiku Adisasmito as Spokesperson for the Task Force for handling Covid-19 said the vaccine currently being developed is still effective in preventing the spread of Covid-19 and creating community immunity or herd immunity.
He said this was in response to the existence of a new variant of the corona virus which had begun to hit several countries in the world.
Located at Graha BNPB, Wiku said that the mutation of the virus or new virus strain was being investigated, there was no indication that the vaccine would be ineffective. This means that vaccines currently being developed can still be considered effective to be used in order to achieve herd immunity.
However, Wiku said that Indonesia still had to keep an eye on the development of science related to the new Covid-19 variant.
He also reminded again that no one can confirm when the Covid-19 pandemic will end.
Wiku said that this virus naturally always mutates at the time of transmission. So in fact, if we want to prevent this virus from mutating, then don’t give the virus a chance to be transmitted from human to human.
A new variant of the coronavirus has been identified in southeast England. The new variant that causes Covid19 is named “VUI-202012/01.
The new variant of the corona virus is said to be able to spread more rapidly in parts of the UK.
As of December 13, 2020, at least 1,108 confirmed cases of this variant have been identified in the southern and eastern regions of England.
Although there is no evidence that these strains have an impact on disease severity, antibody response or influence on vaccine efficacy, cases due to new variants are on the rise.
On different occasions, the DPR also appreciated the government’s steps, namely by prohibiting foreigners from entering Indonesia related to the new Covid variant.
Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Azis Syamsudin, expressed his appreciation for the government’s move to immediately impose a ban on the entry of foreign nationals (WNA) from all countries to Indonesia for 2 weeks in January 2021.
This policy was taken by the government because of the finding of a case of mutation of the corona virus which started in the UK and has a faster transmission power.
According to Azis, the mutation of the corona virus which was recently discovered in the UK is a real and serious threat.
He also urged the government to immediately carry out tracing of foreigners and Indonesian citizens who recently entered Indonesian territory and abroad, especially from Britain and Europe.
Azis appealed to the public to remain disciplined in implementing health protocols, such as washing hands, wearing masks and maintaining distance.
On different occasions, the Head of the Covid-19 Task Force for the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI), Prof. Dr. Zubairi Djoerban, Sp.PD.KHOM believes that the Covid-19 vaccine, which is currently in the production process, is effective in preventing the new variant of the corona virus.
The discovery of a new variant of the corona virus itself occurred in November 2020. At that time all parts of the UK experienced a decline in Covid-19 cases.
Zubairi also explained that currently two vaccines were being worked on which could be effective against this new variant. Experts also feel optimistic that vaccination will have immunity in many places.
Even though it is very contagious, Zubairi said that the new variant of the corona virus is no more deadly, but experts are very confident that this virus is very contagious, but not more deadly.
He emphasized that the PCR test, also known as the swab test, was able to detect this virus, it’s like a clothes virus, but PCR can still be waited.
Several countries that have confirmed the corona mutation were first discovered in the UK. These countries include, Singapore, Italy, Denmark and Australia.
However, for foreigners and Indonesian citizens from the European and Australian regions as well as for Indonesian citizens from the UK, exemptions are given so that they can enter Indonesian territory.
The mutated Coro virus is indeed a threat in itself, especially the threat associated with patient spikes. Therefore the existence and preparation of vaccines must be appreciated for the health of the Indonesian people.
) * The author is a contributor to the Cikini Press Circle and Students