The Ministry of Health of Indonesia (Kemenkes) has classified the Omicron XBB.1.16 subvariant, also known as Arcturus, as a variant under monitoring (VUM).
According to Mohammad Syahril, a spokesman for Kemenkes, this classification indicates that the new subvariant falls under the category of Corona Virus types that have not yet caused a surge in daily Covid-19 cases, such as the Delta or Omicron variants. However, he added that Arcturus has the potential to cause a significant increase in cases in Indonesia.
As of now, Kemenkes has identified seven cases of Arcturus in Indonesia since the subvariant entered the country at the end of March 2023. Two of these cases have already been declared recovered.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Syahril urged the public to get a second booster dose of the vaccine, which could help increase the body’s immunity against the Corona Virus.
“Arcturus is not yet classified as a variant of concern (VOC), it is still a variant under monitoring (VUM). This means it hasn’t caused a stir like Omicron did. So we need to remain vigilant but not worried,” he said.
The Arcturus subvariant has caused a surge in Covid-19 cases in around 22 countries, with India, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, and Australia being the five countries with the highest number of cases.
However, in Indonesia, the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases is still being caused by the previous subvariant of Covid-19, namely the Omicron XBB1.5 or Kraken subvariant.
Syahril confirmed that while there has been an increase in cases, the number is still within the World Health Organization’s (WHO) standard limits. He further stated that the government is taking all necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of the public.
In summary, the Ministry of Health in Indonesia is closely monitoring the Arcturus subvariant of the Corona Virus, which has the potential to cause a significant increase in Covid-19 cases.
While the subvariant has not yet been classified as a variant of concern, the government is urging the public to remain vigilant and get vaccinated with the second booster dose to increase their immunity against the virus.
Additionally, the government is taking all necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of the public.
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