Don’t Underestimate the Omicron Variant
By: Deny Indrayana )*
The case of death from the Omicron variant indicates that this new variant cannot be underestimated. The public is also advised not to panic, to be disciplined in Prokes, and to always obey various government policies.
The pandemic has been passed for 2 years but unfortunately there is no sign of ending. In fact, now we have to fight against the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus. The number of patients has increased drastically to 500 per day whereas last month there were only 200 per day.
The Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus was originally found in South Africa, Zimbabwe and surrounding areas. When there are cases of Omicron in Malaysia and Singapore, we are afraid that he will enter Indonesia. Then when he arrived, in a few weeks, more than 200 people had died.
Among those patients, there were 2 who died. Spokesperson for vaccination doctor Siti Nadia Tarmizi stated that patients who lost their lives because of Omicron were travelers from abroad and had local transmissions.
The death of the Omicron variant of the Corona patient makes us have to be more vigilant and comply with health protocols. The reason is because this variant spreads 70 times faster than the alpha variant. So that if everyone doesn’t obey the procedure, there’s a fear of triggering new cases and creating a third wave of Corona attacks.
Adherence to health protocols must be done and should not be relaxed. Since the beginning of the pandemic we have been used to wearing masks and washing our hands, right? Don’t be tired of obeying health protocols because maintaining fitness and immunity during a pandemic is a priority.
Complete with other prokes such as maintaining distance, avoiding crowds, and reducing mobility, so that the risk of transmission can be reduced. The public is also advised to reduce mobility or not to wander because we could be infected with Omicron out there when we accidentally take off our masks. Don’t create a crowd on purpose, because the COVID-19 task force team will definitely be disbanded.
When Omicron first entered Indonesia, there were those who took it easy because they said the symptoms of Omicron were milder than the delta variant. But don’t underestimate it because even if there is no anosmia (loss of the function of the sense of smell), Omicron is still dangerous. Who wants to get Corona?
Indeed, on average, those affected by Omicron develop mild symptoms and are only asked to self-isolate and take medication. However, it is specifically for those who have been vaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated at all, there will be a greater risk of dying. Of course you don’t want to lose your life, do you?
Therefore, in addition to complying with health protocols, it is mandatory to vaccinate. Don’t underestimate Omicron because 2 vaccines can increase immunity and keep you away from any variant of Corona. If you are infected with the Covid-19 virus after the vaccine, you will recover quickly and only get mild symptoms.
Don’t hesitate to get the vaccine because it’s still free, while in many other countries you have to pay a minimum of 300,000 rupiah. The Corona vaccine is also halal by MUI and is proven safe. If you have children who are at least 6 years old, they also invite them to be injected with vaccines, for the sake of their health.
The Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus has taken 2 lives. Do not underestimate this variant because it can be deadly and spread far more powerfully than the delta or other variants. Keep obeying health protocols and vaccinations, to be safe from any variant of Corona.
)* The author is a contributor to the Nusa Bangsa Institute