PALANGKA RAYA – EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION BUREAU. The Central Kalimantan Covid-19 Handling Task Force delivered a press release on the progress of handling the Covid-19 pandemic on Thursday (3/2/2022). The Central Kalimantan Covid-19 Task Force Team according to the Central Covid-19 Task Force, said that Covid-19 had mutated in various variants, but could still be identified using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) diagnostic test kit. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also stated that one of the diagnostic test tools such as PCR is still capable of detecting the Covid-19 virus, regardless of its variant.

Government Spokesperson for Handling Covid-19 Prof. Wiku Adisasmito emphasized that until now the current PCR is still effective for detecting people who are positive for Covid-19. This is of course inseparable from the way PCR works: by detecting the genetic material of the virus. To make it easier for the public to understand, it is necessary to provide detailed education on how the PCR test method works and further efforts with Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in determining the variant of the Covid-19 virus.

The PCR method works by matching the PCR target gene with the viral genetic code. The genetic code of this virus is easily changed, such as the S gene that encodes the spike or the hands of the virus. While genes that tend to remain, for example genes E and N.

PCR itself can consist of 1 or more target genes. However, for PCR which only has 1 target of the S gene, now it is not recommended by WHO. Because, the virus S gene is very easy to change. WHO recommends PCR with more than 1 target using gene targets that tend to be fixed.

The Central Kalimantan Covid-19 Task Force Team appealed that in addition to vaccination, the implementation of health protocols as a living habit is a demand in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic. Some people have complied with health protocols, but there are still others who lack the awareness to apply the 4M principles: wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining distance, and avoiding crowds.

The number of accumulated data on the development of Covid-19 as of today, Thursday (3/2/2022): positive confirmed Covid-19 patients in Central Kalimantan increased by 24 people, with a total of 46,840 cases. There was 1 patient recovered with a total of 45,152 cases. And, there was no additional patients died, so it remained 1,591 people, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 3.4%.

In the press release, the development of Covid-19 data was conveyed that as many as 6 Regencies and 1 Municipality were affected. Confirmation cases have added 24 people, namely in Palangka Raya (5 people), West Kotawaringin (4 people), East Kotawaringin (4 people), Seruyan (1 person), Kapuas (6 people), South Barito (1 person), and Murung Raya (1 person), so from 46,816 people to 46,840 people. There was 1 person recovered, namely in Murung Raya, so from 45,151 people to 45,152 people. There were 23 additional people under treatment, so from 74 people to 97 people.

Furthermore, for Bed Occupancy Rate (BOR), Intensive Beds experienced a decrease in Bed Occupancy (26.19%), from 38.10% to 11.90%, where there were no regencies/municipality with BOR above 50%, while the Insulation Beds experienced an increase in Bed Occupancy (0.69%), so from 1.65% to 2.34%, where there was no Regency/Municipality whose BOR above 50%.

The Central Kalimantan Covid-19 Task Force Team reminded all Central Kalimantan people to continue to comply with health protocols and break the chain of Covid-19 distribution. “Those who are not aware of the health protocols, remember! It is mandatory for 4M, wear masks, wash hands, maintain distance, and avoid crowds, so that this Covid-19 will soon end in Central Kalimantan and all over the world,” concluded the Task Force Team. (rick/transl.by feb)