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UNAIR NEWS – Recently, the number of Covid-19 cases in Indonesia has risen. Faculty of Public Health  UNAIR Epidemiological Biostatistics expert, Dr. Windhu Purnomo dr. MS assessed that the spike in cases was due to the loosening public health protocols and the emergence of a new subvariant of Omicron.

“The surge in Covid-19 has occurred because the public health protocol has been loose. A new transmission occurs when someone does not wear a mask as protection. It means, when there is transmission like this, both the infected and those who infect are not using their protection properly,” he explained to UNAIR NEWS on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

Furthermore, Windhu said that the emergence of a new subvariant also caused the spike in Covid-19. Even so, the emergence of this new subvariant does not have a high fatality rate like the previous variants.

“Second, the emergence of new variants or subvariants. When a new variant appears, it is not recognized by the body. So, the new variants generally have the ability to escape the human immune system. So, if a new variant or subvariant appears, the transmission will be higher. But over time, it will decrease again,” he said.

A brief decline

Even though there is a surge again, in fact, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Indonesia has experienced a decline. It was at its lowest point at the beginning of September.

“Actually, the Covid-19 cases had declined at the beginning of September. Then around the end of September a new Omicron XBB subvariant was discovered in Surabaya. And that lasted quite a long time,” said Windhu.

The emergence of the new Omicron XBB subvariant then led to a spike in cases, besides the loosening public health protocols.

“Now, the omicron XBB sub-variant (cases) have been increasing since October. Since then there has been a spike. Even now, daily cases have reached more than 6,000,” he added.

People do not need to panic

Windhu explained the Omicron XBB subvariant this time had a low fatality rate. This subvariant also spikes and declines rapidly. So he urged people not to panic but remain vigilant.

“I don’t think people need to panic too much because I’m sure that at the end of November cases will reach a peak but then will soon drop again. But of course, you need to be vigilant, especially during the long Christmas and New Year holidays because people’s mobility will definitely increase,” he said.

To avoid transmission, he reiterated that tightening health protocols is the most important thing. Apart from wearing a mask and avoiding crowds, getting a booster vaccination is important to prevent serious symptoms when exposed.

“If you want to avoid it, of course, complete the vaccination because it prevents us from experiencing severe symptoms if, for example, we are exposed to the virus. Remember, vaccination does not prevent transmission, but it can prevent us from getting sick in severe conditions,” he explained.

Meanwhile, according to Windhu, the government also plays an essential role in controlling the current spike in Covid-19 cases. From the government’s point of view, conducting surveillance, increasing vaccinations, and providing protection to vulnerable groups must continue to be carried out.

“The government must also provide more protection for those classified as elderly, sufferers of comorbid diseases, and those who have not received vaccines,” he said.

Author: Yulia Rohmawati

Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia