Manila: Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has called on Indonesians to maintain vigilance against Covid-19, despite the country's transmission rates being relatively controlled, with a positivity rate below 1 percent. In a statement made in Bandung, West Java, the minister stressed the importance of continued caution due to a slight increase in cases in ASEAN countries.

According to Philippines News Agency, Minister Sadikin noted that the current trend in infections is driven by sub-variants that are not deemed deadly. He emphasized the need for health protocols, such as wearing masks and washing hands, especially as respiratory cases have been on the rise. He pointed out that the Omicron sub-variants are dominant in Indonesia but tend to cause milder symptoms, particularly for those who have been vaccinated.

The minister reassured that the increase in cases in ASEAN countries has not significantly impacted Indonesia, with no alarming rise in infections. He confirmed that the detected increase remains within a safe limit, with cases still in the hundreds and a positivity rate below 1 percent.

In a prior announcement, the Ministry of Health prepared health facilities for a potential increase in Covid-19 cases. Aji Muhawarman, head of the ministry's public communication and information bureau, stated in Jakarta on June 4 that health facilities are ready following the issuance of a circular on Covid-19 monitoring. The circular urges health facilities and stakeholders to track the situation and stay informed about global trends via official government and World Health Organization websites.

Health facilities have been instructed to enhance vigilance by monitoring and verifying trends in influenza-like illness, severe acute respiratory infections, pneumonia, and Covid-19 cases through the Early Alertness and Response System.