JN.1 subvariant under control despite Covid case rise: Indonesian Health Ministry

JAKARTA - The Health Ministry said on Tuesday that the transmission of the JN.1 subvariant of the Covid-19 virus was still under control amid the latest increase in the number of cases, reported Antara.

"The number of patients hospitalised in ICUs is still small," said Imran Pambudi, the ministry's Director of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, during a discussion in Jakarta.

He said that in determining the risk level of Covid-19, the ministry considers three factors: the number of cases, the number of people who need to be hospitalised, and the number of people who need to be admitted to ICUs.

While the Covid situation is still under control, the government is carrying out mitigation to anticipate a surge in cases due to the transmission of the JN.1 subvariant, he added.

"We have instructed hospitals to prepare oxygen and medicines," he said.

Pambudi said that so far, there has been no new mutation of the Covid-19 virus and the JN.1 subvariant is a strain of the Omicron variant.

He said that the ministry will continue to synergise with regional governments to monitor tourist attractions to anticipate a spike in Covid-19 cases during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

"We continue to monitor whether new strains beyond Omicron emerge. We always monitor the ICU occupancy and how many patients need serious treatment," he added.

The ministry has prepared a circular letter asking regional governments to ensure that health facilities are adequately equipped and staffed, he added.

Pambudi said that the community should implement the health protocols, such as wearing masks and washing hands, as well as reduce unnecessary travel.

In addition, those who have not gotten the booster vaccine doses are being encouraged to take the shot as soon as possible, he said. - BERNAMA