Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has issued a circular containing the provisions for isolation for Covid-19 patients.
By
Kompas Team
·3 minutes read
Kompas/Priyombodo (PRI)
An officer prepare donated food items from residents in self-isolation at RW 003, Pondok Labu Village, Cilandak District, South Jakarta, Tuesday (19/01/2021).
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The Covid-19 death rate in Indonesia continues to climb and has hit a record-high during the Omicron-fueled third wave. The elderly and those with comorbidities are most at risk and have been advised not to undergo self-isolation.
According to a report from the Health Ministry (14/2/2022), the country reported 36,501 new Covid-19 cases, down from the previous day’s increase of 44,526 cases. However, the death toll increased by 145 people, the highest record since 24 Sept. 2021.
Jakarta reported the highest number of fatalities with 53 deaths, followed by Central Java (22 deaths), East Java (21 deaths), Bali (20 deaths), Banten (seven deaths), West Java (five deaths) and the rest spread across several other regions.
“The rising death rate marks transmission taking place among vulnerable groups,” said Indonesian epidemiologist at Griffith University, Dicky Budiman. Vulnerable groups include those who have not been vaccinated, the elderly population and people with comorbidities.
The Covid-19 task force of the Palembang Health Agency, South Sumatra, reported that three patients had died during self-isolation. LaporCovid-19 also received reports of deaths in self-isolation from other regions.
Tjandra Yoga Aditama, a professor at the School of Medicine at the University of Indonesia, said information regarding the criteria and methods of self-isolation must be conveyed to the public.
Patients likely and confirmed to be infected by Omicron, both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, must undergo isolation. Where the isolation takes place depends on the patient’s condition.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has issued a circular containing the provisions for isolation for Covid-19 patients. Patients likely and confirmed to be infected by Omicron, both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, must undergo isolation. Where the isolation takes place depends on the patient’s condition.
Vaccinating the elderly
Amid the Omicron wave, vaccination coverage for the elderly needs to be optimized to protect them if they are exposed to the virus. The Health Ministry noted that as of yesterday, 73.74 percent of the elderly had received the first dose, while only 50.53 percent had been fully vaccinated.
Kompas/Heru Sri Kumoro
The medical personnel inject the third dose of Covid-19 vaccine (booster) to workers at the Kompas Tower, Jakarta, Tuesday (25/1/2022).
Indonesian Medical Gerontology Association chairwoman Prof. Siti Setiati said many elderly people also had comorbidities, increasing their risk if they are exposed to Covid-19. “Some have two, three or even more comorbidities, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and lung disease. Thus, the elderly must be fully vaccinated and should be prioritized for booster injections,” she said.
“The government is working hard to prevent more victims by accelerating vaccination, especially for the elderly, people with comorbidities and children,” said Health Ministry vaccination spokesperson Siti Nadia Tarmizi.
Minister Budi said that around 60 percent of Covid-19 patients being treated in intensive care units had not been fully vaccinated. Only four provinces have fully vaccinated more than 70 percent of their elderly, namely Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta and Riau Islands. (AIK/TAM/RTG/BRO/FRN)
