Novali Pandji Nugroho, Jakarta – The Jakarta Health Office notes that from November 27 to December 3, 2023, there are 80 positive cases of Covid-19 in the capital city. The breakdown reveals that 90 percent are mild and asymptomatic, while 10 percent exhibit moderate symptoms.
Ngabila Salama, the Head of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Immunization Section of the Jakarta Health Office, states that the EG.4 and EG.5 variants are dominant as the causes of current positive Covid-19 cases. "Both are sub-variants of Omicron," she said when contacted on Friday, December 8, 2023. However, she does not provide further details about them.
Ngabila only mentions that despite the increase in positive Covid-19 cases in Jakarta towards the end of this year, the situation is still under control. She asserts this by pointing to the hospitalization figures, which have not experienced an increase.
"Community transmission is high again, with cases doubling compared to before. But it is very much under control," says Ngabila.
According to her, the surge in positive Covid-19 cases in Jakarta is due to seasonal changes leading to decreased immunity. Ngabila notes that such an upward trend occurs every six months.
She assesses that this pattern is similar to respiratory tract infections or acute respiratory infections (ARI), which surge during seasonal transitions. "Vaccine immunity," she continues, "also starts to decline after six months."
As for Covid-19 deaths in Jakarta, the last recorded cases were in September 2023, totaling three. Until now, the Jakarta Health Office has not recorded any deaths due to Covid-19.
The Jakarta Health Office urges the public, especially vulnerable groups, to promptly complete their Covid-19 vaccinations. "Also, always maintain health and practice a clean and healthy lifestyle," says Ngabila.