Indonesia's Weekly Covid-19 Cases Surge 105%, Highest in Southeast Asia

COVID-19 cases in Indonesia have continued to rise over the past week. According to Worldometers data, Indonesia's weekly COVID-19 cases increased by 8,924 cases in the period of June 16-22, 2022.

This figure is up 105% compared to the previous week's increase, which totaled 4,349 cases. This percentage increase is the highest among other countries in Southeast Asia.

Below Indonesia, the Philippines recorded a 69% increase in weekly COVID-19 cases, from 1,973 cases to 3,335 cases from June 16-22, 2022.

Brunei Darussalam experienced a 48% increase in weekly COVID-19 cases. Singapore and Malaysia had weekly increases of 27% and 11%, respectively, during the same period.

Meanwhile, weekly COVID-19 cases in Vietnam and Thailand decreased by 10% and 19%, respectively.

Laos and Myanmar also experienced decreases in weekly COVID-19 cases of 24% each. Timor Leste saw a 58% weekly decrease in COVID-19 cases.

Griffith University epidemiologist, Dicky Budiman, predicts that the increase in COVID-19 cases in Indonesia will continue for at least one to two months.

However, according to Dicky, the situation is different from when the Delta variant was prevalent in Indonesia, where COVID-19 cases affected various groups of people.

"(Current COVID-19 transmission) is only among vulnerable groups, high-risk populations such as the elderly, those with comorbidities, or those with minimal vaccination coverage. That's what's dangerous," said Dicky, as quoted from Tirto.id, Thursday (23/6/2022).

To avoid the spread of the Corona virus, the public is urged to diligently implement health protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands with soap. In addition, the public is urged to avoid crowds and reduce mobility.