Indonesia does not have mass viral genome surveillance. We only take samples in some private and public health services. There is no such thing as COVID-19 genome surveillance.
Indonesia is supposed to conduct genome surveillance to prevent the entrance from China contracting the more vicious virus into society.
Indonesia needs to restrict Chinese migrants from entering the country, especially from the PRC, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The TGS must be conducted for all migrants and visitors and keep the samples in the genome bank.
Genome surveillance is a vital thing to do as a preventive measure for future pandemics. The pandemic has caused a rising death toll, slumped the economy and escalated the state’s debts.
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The fact is that COVID-19 XBB 1.5 and BQ 1.1 have penetrated Indonesia; therefore, Indonesia must be wary of the spread of the new variants.
Extra restricted Airport and Seaport Regulations
Indonesia often relaxes the entry restrictions for Chinese foreign workers, thereby increasing the risk of COVID – 19 new variant transmission. Indonesia must not claim to have a tested and proven COVID handling system.
Being vigilant in preventing virus transmission would be easier if the country’s international entrances, be it through airports or seaports, were being carefully monitored and restricted, as well as recording migrants and visitors properly.