Officially using genome sequencing to monitor Arcturus variant – ANTARA News

The Jakarta Health Service is closely monitoring the development of the new COVID-19 variant, Arcturus or XBB 1.16, through genome sequencing. Ngabila Salama, head of immunization surveillance at the Jakarta Health Service, reassures the public that the COVID-19 situation in Jakarta is under control, although there has been an increase in cases in the past few days, which has not been accompanied by an increase in deaths and hospitalizations. So far, there have been no infections caused by the Arcturus variant. Salama urges the public to continue wearing masks in crowded places and on public transportation, and to avoid meeting people who are sick. She also appeals to the public to complete vaccination, particularly the second booster dose for ages 18 and over. Pfizer, Inavac, and Indovac are the available vaccine brands provided for free by the government. Pfizer vaccine can be given to children aged 12 years and older, while Inavac and Indovac can be given to those aged 18 and over. Salama stresses that the first and second doses can be different brands, and the fourth dose follows the third dose brand. The Jakarta Health Service will continue to routinely monitor genome sequencing to prevent new variants from spreading in Jakarta.