As of February 1, 2022, there are already 125 million people in Indonesia (45.9% of the whole population) who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, new variants continue to emerge.

Delta, a variant of SARS-CoV-2, was first detected in India in October 2020, but soon reached many other countries, and Indonesia was not an exception. It was believed that this variant of the COVID-19 virus accounts for the second wave experienced in Indonesia throughout June and July of 2021.

As Indonesia continues to battle against COVID-19, the government has implemented strict lock-down regulations (known as PPKM). These restrictions have the intention of reducing COVID-19 cases in Indonesia by decreasing social contact.

In response to the successful recovery from the second wave, activities have resumed in moderation: malls have reopened, theaters are back in operation, restaurants are now taking up to 50 percent capacity of total customers, work from offices are now at 25 percent, and schools have started to implement offline learning.

Following the enforcement of regulations, Bina Bangsa School Bandung started the Hybrid Blended Learning (HBBL) on October 4, 2021.

Recently, a new variant of COVID-19, Omicron, has emerged, following the Delta variant. According to the World Health Organization, currently, there is not much information available about Omicron. However, researchers around the world are conducting further studies to deepen our understanding towards this variant.

The transmissibility and severity of Omicron are still ambiguous due to several other factors. Research also shows that prior COVID-19 infection increases the risk of contracting the Omicron variant. Research of current vaccines, tests, and treatments towards the new variant are undertaken to ensure its effectiveness.

As of February 1, 2022, Indonesia’s COVID-19 tally increase by 16,021 to 4,369, 391 total number of cases. The total number of recovered patients rose by 3,240 to 4,143, 694 people. The total deaths went by 28 to 144, 348 in total. – https://dinsights.katadata.co.id/

Indonesia may have fallen into a crisis last year, but after months of perpetual battle against COVID-19, the country has successfully reduced the cases by a substantial amount. In light of the emergence of the Omicron, variant, authorities continue to remind all citizens to continue observing COVID-19 protocols: avoid unnecessary touching of surfaces, wash your hands frequently, wear masks, and follow social distancing protocols.

By: Benevolence Zoe, Junior College 1 Grace