The recent discovery in neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore of a new subtype of the highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus has rung alarm bells in Indonesia, which is on track to further reopen itself to the world.

Fears of a new wave of infection driven by AY.4.2, also known as Delta Plus, which is believed to be slightly more transmissible compared with the original Delta variant, came as Indonesia began to gradually ease COVID-19 curbs and reopen its borders for international arrivals.

The government has promised to strengthen vigilance at the borders and intensify genome surveillance to detect any concerning new variant as soon as possible.

Source:
courtesy of THE JAKARTA POST

by Nina A. Loasana (The Jakarta Post)

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