Dinkes: Omicron Detected in Jakarta is Hoax

Following news regarding the findings of 4 new cases of Omicron variant in Jakarta via social media and mass media, the Jakarta administration asserted that it was hoax. Based on the results of the latest clarification to the Health Ministry's Health Development Policy Agency (Litbangkes) on December 8 at 2:30 PM that Omicron variant has not been found in Jakarta.

At least 2,500 specimens have been examined and 40 percent of them are variants of concern and no Omicron

Jakarta Health Agency (Dinkes) Head, Widyastuti revealed that the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) examination would keep being intensified every day to detect variants of the coronavirus. "At least 2,500 specimens have been examined and 40 percent of them are variants of concern and no Omicron," she expressed, at Dinkes office, Central Jakarta, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release, Wednesday (12/8 ).

As for the information, last week, a cluster of positive cases from overseas trips was detected, where it had undergone WGS examination and adequate test, trace, isolation. However, it was not Omicron.

Jakarta Closely Monitors Covid-19 Spread to Contain its Transmission

Nevertheless, the agency appreciated the central government's policy of extending the quarantine of foreign travelers for 10 days and 14 days to curb the spread of the Omicron variant. "Certainly, we continue to intensify WGS and 3T, including 6M and vaccination," she concluded.