The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) reported that 893 cases of the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) of the Covid-19 virus had been detected in Indonesia by Monday, August 16, 2021. These cases were spread across 30 provinces.
Jakarta had the highest number of Delta variant cases, with 302 sequences or 33.8% of the national total. East Kalimantan was next with 144 cases.
Following this, there were 84 Delta variant cases in Nusa Tenggara. West Java and Central Java each had 76 and 69 cases respectively.
A total of 41 Delta variant cases were detected in West Sumatra. In West Nusa Tenggara, there were 27 cases. East Java and North Sumatra each had 18 and 16 cases respectively.
Meanwhile, the Delta variant was found in the fewest numbers in Bengkulu, Gorontalo, Jambi, Riau Islands, and North Sulawesi, with only one case each. No Delta variant cases were detected in South Kalimantan, Lampung, North Maluku, West Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi.
The Delta variant has a high transmission rate. It is not surprising that this variant dominates in Indonesia compared to the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant with 63 cases and the Beta (B.1.351) variant with 17 cases.
To break the chain of transmission, 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.