Syahril explained that although the new XBB variant is more contagious, the fatality rate is not more severe than the Omicron variant. As a result, Indonesian is yet able to transition into an endemic phase because various mutations are still emerging and can potentially cause an outbreak. In the last seven days, increase in cases has been reported in 24 provinces.
“Immediately get yourself boosted to reduce morbidity and mortality rate from Covid-19,” he advised.
Since it was first discovered, a total of 24 countries have detected the XBB subvariant in their borders. Singapore, for example, has seen a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases and resulting hospitalizations.
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“The surge of XBB-induced cases in Singapore has reached 0.79 times that of BA.5 and 0.46 times that of BA.2,” he pointed out.
In an effort to prevent a flare-up, the Health Ministry has increased monitoring of recent arrivals at all of the country’s entry points. (rr)