Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Health Office is anticipating an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients in late November and early December 2022 by ensuring the availability of beds in hospitals.
"We have observed, compared, and analyzed the trend of (COVID-19 cases during) Christmas and New Year last year and (what are the) risk factors," Head of the Jakarta Health Office Widyastuti explained here on Wednesday.
According to Widyastuti, the bed occupancy rate in Jakarta is currently at 20-25 percent. Hence, she expressed optimism that the number of COVID-19 cases would not rise soon.
"Cases are forecast to peak in late November or early December, but of course, we hope that it does not happen, and it would be prevented with various efforts," she stated.
Hence, Widyastuti expected the community to continue to comply with health protocols.
"We still urge health protocols to be maintained, (such as by) wearing masks, especially indoors," she stressed.
The office head emphasized that the public should remain vigilant against COVID-19 by implementing health protocols despite the public activities restrictions (PPKM) in Jakarta currently being at Level 1.
"The media's role is very strategic and important to educate people to maintain health protocols and ensure we are protected by vaccination," she stated.
The increase in COVID-19 cases in the capital is due to several factors, including the emergence of the sub-variant XBB.
Widyastuti also reminded the people to protect themselves by getting the booster shot at health facilities.
"Alhamdulillah (Thank God), the first and second dose vaccination in Jakarta is very well covered, while the booster dose needs to be bolstered because it is still at 70 percent (of coverage)," she said.
Based on the Jakarta Health Office, there were 23,614 active cases of COVID-19 in Jakarta, as of Wednesday.
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