Jakarta's COVID-19 Positivity Rate Increases Tenfold, Reaching 26%

The surge in Covid-19 cases in DKI Jakarta has caused the capital's positivity rate to continuously rise. Based on data from the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, the capital's positivity rate increased tenfold in the last month, reaching 26% as of February 8, 2022.

This figure is far from the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 5%.

A month earlier, DKI Jakarta's positivity rate was recorded at 2.6%. Two months prior, it was only 0.2%.

The trend of Covid-19 positivity rate in DKI Jakarta has been steadily increasing since mid-December, when the Omicron variant entered Indonesia. DKI Jakarta is one of the biggest contributors to Omicron cases in the country.

As of February 8, 2022, there were 81,660 active Covid-19 cases in DKI Jakarta, with 10,817 new cases reported on that day.

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan stated that the accelerating transmission of Covid-19 in Jakarta prompted the government to implement level 3 Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM) from February 8 to 14, 2022.

During this period, several restrictions were imposed, including limitations on visiting hours and maximum visitor numbers at shopping malls, children's playgrounds and entertainment venues, restaurants, arts and cultural events, sporting events, and places of worship.

The surge in Covid-19 cases in DKI Jakarta due to the widespread transmission of the Omicron variant should be a cause for concern. Although not as severe as the Delta variant, Omicron spreads faster than other coronavirus variants.

Therefore, the public is urged to continue adhering to the 3M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands. People are also encouraged to reduce mobility, avoid crowds, and complete their vaccination doses, including booster shots, to reduce the risk of severe Covid-19.