Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin: Five Provinces Still Slow in Vaccinations

JAKARTADAILY.ID – Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said on Tuesday that there are still five provinces in Indonesia that need to catch up on vaccinations. 

The five provinces that have not met the 70 percent vaccination target are West Sumatra, West Sulawesi, West Papua, and Papua.  

The five provinces are encouraged to continue to increase their vaccination rates. Because the sooner the vaccination, the faster the immune system is formed. This way people can be protected from the threat of Covid-19 transmission.

Also Read: Indonesia Reports Vaccination Exceeds 200 Million Doses

Through a number of anticipatory steps that have been prepared by the government, Budi believes that the rising wave of cases due to Omicron can be quickly controlled.

“We are about to face a wave from the Omicron, don't panic, we are well prepared. Experience has shown that although the rise is fast, this Omicron wave is also falling fast. The important thing is to maintain health procedures, be disciplined in carrying out surveillance, and accelerate vaccination for those who have not been vaccinated," he concluded.

Also Read: Omicron Cases in Indonesia Reaches 318, Many Among Them Fully-Vaxxed

Budi detailed that from a total of 414 confirmed cases of Omicron, 99 percent of the symptoms were mild and asymptomatic. Meanwhile, only two people are categorized as moderate or need oxygen treatment, namely men aged 58 years and 47 years. Both are reported to have comorbidities and have now been declared cured.

"Of the 414 people being treated, 114 people (26%) have recovered, including the 2 people who are in the moderate category and need oxygen treatment," said Budi. (*)