Research and Technology Minister, Bambang Brodjonegoro, and Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, have agreed to set up a genomic surveillance team to study the SARS-CoV-2 virus as part of efforts to fight COVID-19.
The team will comprise researchers from the Health Ministry and the Research and Technology Ministry and academics from various institutes of higher learning in Indonesia, Sadikin informed at a press conference following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the formation of the team on Friday.
The team will study the characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the mutation of the virus as part of efforts to prevent and handle the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, Sadikin said.
"The enlightenment from Mr. Bambang makes me aware of it being counter intelligent. When the enemy (COVID-19) entered (Indonesia), we were not aware of it because we had no process and equipment. So, I am aware that we need to build a defense system," he remarked.
It will take more time to study and understand the character of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, Bambang, who is also chief of the National Research and Innovation Agency, said.
The team will aim to not only understand the character of the COVID-19 virus, but also detect the mutation of the virus that that has been found in other countries, he added.
"We also want to study and know immediately the mutation of the virus which may speed up transmission and make the disease more serious. In addition, we will also study profoundly the way how to handle COVID-19 patients from the result of genomic surveillance," he informed.
He said the team will also provide important information on the virus as part of efforts to find vaccines and medicines for handling COVID-19 in Indonesia. (INE)
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