Warning: Indonesia Records Highest Number of Omicron Cases in Southeast Asia

Based on data from the official GISAID website, as of January 23, 2022, there were 1,406 cases of Covid-19 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant in Indonesia. Sadly, this number is the highest in Southeast Asia.

As is known, the Indonesian Ministry of Health has recorded two Omicron-related deaths. These two cases represent the first reported fatalities in Indonesia due to this highly transmissible variant.

Indonesia's Omicron cases have surpassed Singapore, which previously held the highest number. Singapore is now in second place with 1,169 cases.

Thailand is in third place with 687 cases, followed by Malaysia with 463 cases. Cambodia and Vietnam follow with 159 and 59 Omicron cases respectively.

Three other Southeast Asian countries, namely the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, and Myanmar, have recorded low Omicron cases, below 50. The Philippines has 43 confirmed Omicron cases, followed by Brunei Darussalam with 12 cases, and Myanmar with only 5 cases.

Globally, 123 countries have detected Omicron cases, totaling 550,188 cases.

The government continues to urge the public to remain vigilant against Omicron transmission. The public is urged to consistently adhere to the 3M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands.