Malang, (malangkota.go.id) – Although the Covid-19 pandemic is currently relatively under control, the public is advised to remain vigilant because the pandemic is not over yet, especially with the presence of a new virus variant, namely Omicron XXB. Likewise, although in Malang City there have been no confirmed patients, in other areas there have been detected.
The message was conveyed by the Head of the Malang City Health Office, dr. Husnul Muarif on Tuesday (2/11/2022). According to him, people who are symptomatic of being infected with the Omicron XBB variant of Covid-19 are similar to the early omicron and not like the previous alpha or delta variants. Usually patients experience flu, and by undergoing self-isolation they will recover.
The bespectacled man explained that the patient did not need to be hospitalized. This variant is relatively contagious, but its fatality is not worse than the omicron variant. "We ask the public to remain vigilant and not be careless. Follow the health protocols even though many have started to ignore them," said Husnul.
For residents who have not had their third or booster vaccine, they should get vaccinated immediately to minimize the risk of contracting this deadly virus. Residents can get a booster at the Malang City Health Office on Jalan Simpang LA Sucipto every Thursday-Friday during working hours. Vaccination can also be done at the vaccination center at the Malang Health Polytechnic on Jalan Besar Ijen every Monday-Friday with the Pfizer vaccine.
"So far, the achievement of booster vaccination is around 60 percent. For the second booster specifically for health workers, it has reached 100 percent. The general public can get the second booster by checking the Peduli Lindungi application. If you already have a vaccine ticket, immediately get vaccinated at the nearest health facility, such as a health center or clinic," continued Husnul.
The Omicron XBB variant itself was confirmed to have entered Indonesia after there were four cases of patients with mild symptoms such as coughing and runny nose. However, this variant is similar to the flu because all patients have recovered after self-isolating and were not hospitalized. All four are located in DKI Jakarta with two local transmission patients, one overseas transmission patient and one more patient located in Surabaya (travel history to Singapore). (say/ram)
