50% of Covid-19 Cases in Central Java are the Delta Variant

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) recorded 160 cases of the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant of the Covid-19 coronavirus in Indonesia by June 20, 2021. Eighty cases, or 50% of the total Delta variant cases in Indonesia, were located in Central Java.

Fifty-seven cases of this variant originating from India were also detected in Jakarta. Ten Delta variant cases were found in East Java.

South Sumatra, Central Kalimantan, and East Kalimantan each had three Delta variant cases. Furthermore, two Delta variant cases were found in Banten.

Besides Delta, the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant from the UK and the Beta (B.1.351) variant from South Africa have been detected in Indonesia. Thirty-three Alpha variant cases were detected across ten provinces, while six Beta variant cases were found in three provinces.

These three new coronavirus variants have a higher transmission rate. This contributed to the surge in cases nationwide at the end of June 2021.

Therefore, the public is urged to diligently adhere to the 3M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands with soap. In addition, the public is encouraged to avoid crowds and reduce mobility.