Varian Omicron, New variant of Covid-19 has been discovered for the first time in South Africa, which is now also detected in Europe and Asia. Raising concern around the world because this variant has a higher number of mutations that allow it to spread more quickly or even evade antibodies from previous infections or vaccinations. The government through the Ministry of Law and Human Rights temporarily prohibits foreign nationals or foreigners from South Africa from entering Indonesia.
This policy is to prevent the Omicron variant of the Corona virus that was detected in South Africa. This prohibition rule is contained in the circular letter number IMI-0269.GR.01.01 year 2021 regarding the temporary restriction of foreigners who have lived and/or visited the territory of certain countries to enter the territory of Indonesia in the context of preventing the spread of the new variant of Covid-19 B.1.1.529. There are a number of policies implemented at transportation nodes that serve international arrivals, Among them are :
- Temporarily close/prohibit the entry of foreign nationals (WNA) to Indonesia, with travel history 14 last day of 11 country, that is: south Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Leshoto, Mozambique, Eswatini, Malawi, Angola, Zambia, and Hong Kong.
- For Indonesian Citizens (WNI) who travel to Indonesia and have a travel history from 11 the country, mandatory quarantine for 14×24 jam.
- Increase quarantine time to 7×24 hour than before for 3×24 jam, for foreigners and Indonesian citizens who travel to Indonesia and have a travel history outside of Indonesia 11 the country.
Professor of Lung FKUI, Prof. Tjandra Yoga Aditama said that the B . virus 1.1.529 it was named Omicron after being grouped in the VOC category with Alpha (B 1.1.7), Beta (B 1.351), Gamma (P1) and Delta (B 1.617.2). The reason, VOC variants have the characteristics of being more easily transmitted, cause more severe disease. Then, significantly reduced antibody, may reduce the effectiveness of treatment, vaccine or medical diagnosis. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the control mechanism for international travel as an effort to protect Indonesian citizens from cases of importation. WHO has designated a new variant of Covid19 Omicron as a variant of concern (YOU) or worrying variant.
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