National Covid-19 Cases Surge as Omicron XBB Variant Spreads; These Provinces Report the Highest Numbers

COVID-19 cases in Indonesia continue to rise in recent weeks, coinciding with the outbreak of the new Omicron XBB variant in the country.

According to data from the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Indonesia recorded an additional 5,172 COVID-19 cases on November 20, 2022. Several provinces contributed the highest number of cases nationally.

Jakarta led with an additional 2,373 COVID-19 cases. This is equivalent to 45.88% of the total additional COVID-19 cases nationally.

West Java is second with an additional 801 COVID-19 cases, followed by East Java and Banten with 578 and 515 additional cases respectively.

Central Java, Bali, and Yogyakarta also recorded the highest number of additional COVID-19 cases on November 20, 2022, with 261, 105, and 89 additional cases respectively.

Here are the 10 provinces with the highest additional COVID-19 cases on November 20, 2022:

1. Jakarta: 2,373 cases
2. West Java: 801 cases
3. East Java: 578 cases
4. Banten: 515 cases
5. Central Java: 261 cases
6. Bali: 105 cases
7. Yogyakarta: 89 cases
8. Riau: 49 cases
9. North Sumatra: 43 cases
10. South Sumatra: 40 cases

Cumulatively, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Indonesia reached 6.6 million by November 20, 2022, including 62,179 active cases, 6.38 million recovered cases, and 159,370 deaths.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi estimates that the peak of the Omicron XBB variant is approaching. He stated this is evident from several indicators of coronavirus transmission.

Budi said these indicators include the growth of positive cases, the positive rate, and the dominance of the variant in a particular region. He explained that Indonesia's current COVID-19 positive rate is above 20%.

"COVID-19 cases will still increase. I think it will still increase until the end of this month at least," said Budi, as quoted from Katadata.co.id, Friday (18/11).

The increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, especially in several provinces shown in the graph above, should be heeded. The implementation of health protocols must continue to be carried out to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.

This can be done by implementing the 3M movement, which consists of wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands. In addition, completing the full COVID-19 vaccination and booster doses is also important to reduce the rate of infection and death from COVID-19.