By: Putu Prawira)*
The Omicron variant that has been detected in Indonesia is an alarm for the public to strictly comply with the Health Protocol (Prokes). By continuing to maintain discipline on Prokes, the community is expected to be able to avoid the transmission of the new variant.
As a virus, Covid-19 mutated into new variants, from the first alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and finally Omicron. This mutation occurs because many are exposed to the virus en masse so that the virus has doubled power. As long as the pandemic is not over, the virus will mutate and we must be aware of it.
The Covid-19 virus has mutated into an Omicron variant and sadly it has entered Indonesia. Even though only 1 person has been infected, we must be careful because there could be other people who are affected, they just don’t realize it because they don’t check when they are sick and only self-isolate. This fatal error shows the lack of adherence of many people in complying with health protocols.
President Jokowi advised the public not to panic in the face of the Omicron variant of Corona. Keep following the 10M health protocol so you don’t get infected. The President’s message is very important and must be obeyed so that Omicron does not spread to all regions in Indonesia.
In a sense, Omicron is an alarm for us to obey health protocols more and more. The reason is because according to the doctors, the mutated virus can spread 5 times faster than other variants. It will be very scary when there is a surge in Corona patients because of Omicron, even though in 1-2 months the situation is conducive.
After implementing the PPKM level for several months, since mid-2021, the number of Covid patients in Indonesia has indeed decreased drastically. From 50,000 to ‘only’ 500 people per day. In addition, there are no regions that have red zone status in this country and no longer are subject to PPKM level 4.
However, easing when there is no red zone actually backfires because it causes many people to violate health protocols. In addition to being lazy to wear masks, many organize events that invite crowds such as large receptions. This is a clear violation of health protocols.
Omicron is a strong reminder that we must re-enforce health protocols, because there are only 2 choices, do you want to obey the procedure or get sick because of this mutated virus? The first health protocol that must be adhered to is wearing a mask and wearing a double mask (with a cloth mask on the outside and an N95 mask on the inside) to increase filtration.
Don’t forget to always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. After arriving home, in addition to washing your hands, you are also required to take a shower and wash your hair and change clothes. The mask is also immediately washed with hot water for hygiene. Cleanliness of the body, clothing, and masks must be maintained to avoid Corona Omicron.
Don’t forget to also keep the environment clean so that it is free from any variant of Corona. Everything must be hygienic so that it is clean and no one will stick to the droplets carrying this evil virus.
In addition to complying with health protocols, the public must also be vaccinated to get maximum protection from Corona. By being vaccinated, the body’s immunity will increase and the vaccine is like a protective cloak when Omicron has entered Indonesia. Of course if he also obeys health protocols.
The arrival of the Omicron variant of Corona is an alarm for the public to be vigilant and must continue to obey health protocols. Don’t break it if you don’t want to be infected with this evil virus. Keep wearing masks, washing hands, and obeying other health protocols, to be free from Corona.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute
