Omicron (B.1.1.529) is one of the new variants/derivatives of the COVID-19 virus which was first reported in South Africa. This virus has a more infectious nature and affects the immune system (both acquired by natural infection and vaccination).
As long as the virus is still circulating in the community, it can cause the virus to evolve. This evolution can cause changes in the nature and character of the original virus. For example changes in the speed of transmission, effects on the immune system, severity, diagnosis and response to drugs.
Information will continue to be updated in line with research or investigations that continue to be carried out to understand the nature and character of this virus, especially to anticipate the possibility of the emergence of other new variants and reduce the impact of the pandemic.
source: Ministry of Health
The risk of hospitalization for the Omicron variant is lower than for the Delta variant. The Omicron variant can still cause severe symptoms and death, especially in vulnerable people such as the elderly, having comorbidities and people who have not been vaccinated.
However, with a higher transmission rate, if it is not controlled, more people will become infected and require medical treatment (self-isolation/centralized/hospital) so that it can burden the health system.
source: Ministry of Health
PCR and RDT-Antigen examinations are still able to diagnose COVID-19, including the Omicron variant. To confirm the variant, it is necessary to do a whole genome sequencing (WGS) examination.
source: Ministry of Health
The best effort that can be done at this time to avoid the risk of transmission of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is to be disciplined in implementing health protocols, including:
source: Ministry of Health
Immediately self-isolate at home. Currently, the Ministry of Health provides online consultation services (teleconsultation) and free drug packages. If you are positive for COVID-19, you can access the service in the following ways:
PLTs that work with the Ministry of Health in providing teleconsultation services and free COVID-19 drug packages are Alodokter, Getwell, Good Doctor, Grabhealth, Halodoc, KlikDokter, KlinikGo, LinkSehat, Milvik Dokter, ProSehat, SehatQ, YesDok, Aido Health, Homecare24, Lekasehat, mDoc, Trustmedis, and Vascular.
If symptoms worsen while you are self-isolating, immediately come to the nearest health facility for further treatment.
source: Ministry of Health
The Omicron variant is proven to be more infectious than other variants.
source: Ministry of Health
Some preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection (being infected with COVID-19 more than once) with the Omicron variant, when compared to others. The risk of reinfection is estimated to be 5.4 times higher than the Delta variant.
source: Ministry of Health
There is a possibility of a decrease in the effectiveness of the vaccine as indicated by the finding of breakthrough cases (infected with COVID-19 even though they have received vaccinations). Current vaccines are still very effective in preventing serious illness and death. Cases that have not been vaccinated have a greater potential to infect their families and environment.
source: Ministry of Health
It is not known for certain regarding the difference in clinical manifestations with other variants. Omicron variants can cause varying degrees of severity, either asymptomatic, mild, moderate to severe. Symptoms reported are generally mild, such as:
source: Ministry of Health
On 26 November 2021, WHO designated variant B.1.1529 as a variant of concern, called Omicron, based on recommendations from the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution (TAG-VE). This decision was made based on evidence submitted to TAG-VE that Omicron has several mutations that can impact its behavior, for example, how easily this variant spreads or the severity of the disease it causes.
source: WHO