Covid-19 Variant of Arcturus, India, and the Potential for a Spike in New Cases in Indonesia

Reportase.one, Jakarta – The government through the Ministry of Health issued a warning in line with the increase in cases Covid-19particularly in Singapore and India. The Ministry of Health asked the public to actively wear masks again and prevent a potential spike in cases, especially in the elderly and groups who have not yet received the Covid-19 vaccination.

Domestically, although new cases decreased from 1,242 to 1,145 last Wednesday-Thursday, deaths rose to 13 cases from the previous 12. Active cases also rose to 10,881 yesterday from 10,448 previously. Meanwhile, patients treated in the last seven days on average increased to 1,617, from 1,573 the previous day.

“People should be active again wearing masks, especially for people who are sick (flu), people who have close contact with people who are sick, and when they are in crowds and crowds,” said Ministry of Health spokesperson Mohammad Syahril, in a written statement, Friday. April 21, 2023.

He explained, the trend of increasing Covid-19 cases in the last few weeks was triggered by new variants of sub variants Arcturus or the highly contagious XBB 1.16. Symptoms of this variant include conjunctivitis or pink eye, especially in children, fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, stuffy nose or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

The ten provinces with high confirmation cases yesterday were DKI (local 491, Overseas Travelers or PPLN 19), West Java (local 200, PPLN 0), East Java (local 147, PPLN 0), Central Java (99, PPLN 1), Banten (local 86, PPLN 0), DIY (local 41, PPLN 0), Bali (local 10, PPLN 0), South Sulawesi (local 10, PPLN 0), Lampung (local 6, PPLN 0), Sumsel (local 5, PPLN 0).

Abroad, Syahril explained, Arcturus sub-variants are commonly found in India. And judging from the history of the rise and fall of Covid-19 cases, he added, Indonesia has always followed the pattern that has occurred in India, which is currently experiencing a sharp spike in new cases. “India saw a spike of up to 20 per cent in a day yesterday with cases per day yesterday reaching over 12,500.”

History, Syahril said, also shows that in Indonesia the cases of Covid-19 have increased not because of travel and holidays but because of a new variant. “That’s why people shouldn’t be careless. Let’s wear masks again and live healthy,” said Syahril.

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