The Indonesian Ministry of Health has issued a COVID-19 alert circular to healthcare facilities.
This circular was released after the number of coronavirus transmission cases increased in several Asian countries, such as Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.
In Indonesia, the ministry reported an additional 7 COVID-19 cases from May 25 to 31, bringing the total for 2025 to 72 cases.
Professor Tri Wibawa from FK-KMK UGM, a researcher in Clinical Microbiology, stated that the increase in cases in neighboring countries may not necessarily lead to an increase in transmission in Indonesia.
“However, learning from the very rapid and widespread transmission during the pandemic, it would be better if we are prepared,” Professor Wibawa said on Wednesday (Jun. 4).
Professor Wibawa explained that the spread rate is relatively low. This is because the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants spreading in Thailand are XEC and JN.1.
In Singapore, it’s LF.7 and NB.1.8 (a derivative of JN.1); in Hong Kong, it’s JN.1, and in Malaysia, it’s XEC (a derivative of JN.1).
However, the dominant variant in Indonesia currently is different from those in neighboring countries, namely MB 1.1. This variant, he mentioned, has not yet been listed on the Variants of Interest (VOIs) or variants under monitoring (VUMs) issued by the WHO.
He stated that there is not much specific information about Variant MB1.1. However, Professor Wibawa suspects that the clinical manifestations are not significantly different from those of other Omicron variants that have circulated in Indonesia.
“The symptoms caused so far are similar to previous COVID-19 variants, including fever, dizziness, cough, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, and joint pain,” he added.
Although the number of cases is relatively low and the symptoms tend to be similar, it does not mean the public should not be vigilant.
Professor Wibawa recommends that the public anticipate a healthier future by maintaining good hygiene and healthy lifestyles, such as eating nutritious food and getting enough rest.
He even urged the public to wear masks if they experience flu-like symptoms.
“If you are in a crowd, limit yourself from being in crowded places if you do not feel in prime health condition,” he explained.
Additionally, Professor Wibawa asked the public to monitor the situation from trustworthy information sources, including the government and credible institutions.
“We must be confident that together we have gained experience and knowledge to survive during difficult pandemic times,” he advised.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Illustration: Freepik.com