While the new COVID-19 variants are not here, Indonesia's Minister of Research and Technology (Menristek), Bambang Brodjonegoro, wants Indonesia to keep their guards up. (Image via Suara)

Menristek: The three COVID-19 variant is not here, yet

Newswriter English 1
Business & Industry
Medical and Health
Feb 15, 2021
706

Indonesia's Ministry of Research and Technology (Kemenristek) stated that the three new variants of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from England, South Africa, and Brazil are not found in Indonesia. The statement came from the Minister himself, Bambang Brodjonegoro.

While the new COVID-19 variants are not here, Bambang stated that Indonesia must keep its guards up once the new variants have entered the country by identifying the first domestic transmission. The Minister explained that the three new COVID-19 variants are far more worrisome than the ordinary SARS-CoV-2, due to their lethality and different characteristics.

It is not a surprise that SARS-CoV-2 mutated to quickly adapt to different environment. Speaking on a YouTube broadcast on Monday, Bambang added that on average, about 1-2 mutations happen per month. However, the question lies on whether the virus will pose a greater threat or not.

The Minister then tabulated the three variants of the SARS-CoV-2: B 1.17 from England, B 1.351 from South Africa, and B 1.1.28.1 from Brazil. These are not found in Indonesia. England's variant is claimed to be 50 percent more contagious and 35 percent more deadly. The good news is England's variant does not hinder the vaccine's efficacy.

On the other hand, South Africa's variant is claimed to render the vaccine less effective, creating a concern that those vaccinated will be left vulnerable still to the new variant. Moreover, Brazil's variant is known to only increase the transmission rate.

While they are not found in Indonesia just yet, Bambang stated that the three variants are already seen in Indonesia's neighboring countries such as Australia, Singapore, Japan, and other Asian/ASEAN countries. Therefore, the Minister urged the Indonesian Government and people to maintain the health protocol against COVID-19 and always watch out for the new variants.

Source: https://bit.ly/3tY1TjW