Omicron Comes When Christmas and New Year's Holidays Are Almost Here

Covid19 is not over yet, we are still battling a disease that has killed more than 1 million people worldwide. There is always news of a new variant. We are already at a saturation point because we are waiting for certainty such as "how long this pandemic end?". In fact, it's not like that.

Until these days, Covid19 is still here and there or everywhere. Most recently, the Omicron variant has infected various countries where they seem difficult to detect from the airport. But, it doesn't mean it's the same case.

The Omicron variant is the newest type that was first discovered in South Africa. This variant is dangerous and has been categorized by WHO to be included as a VoC (Variant of Concert). As long as the world is still not safe, then the masks are mandatory items that need to be bagged. Then vaccination programs must be accelerated, so there are more people are protected from this deadly virus.

Now, it's approaching Christmas and New Year where people miss the holidays and want to be close to family. So, this is the right moment to travel. However, if you haven’t been vaccinated, it is better not to leave the house. I mean, this is all for the good of you and those closest to you. In this situation, we still have to restrain ourselves to suppress mobility until everything is normal. But, how long?

I even can’t explain this to myself. The important thing, we always try to stop this individually but not as a group of people who in large numbers don't know us, this is difficult. Now, it's Christmas in the second year since the pandemic started and people are already tired of this situation. Fortunately, within a few months in many countries, the number of cases has decreased. Thank you to health heroes!

However, we are required again to expel the Omicron variant now. It's contagious more quickly than the previous one, so it's believed to be a record-breaker for the next wave. For my country (Indonesia) and several countries in the South East Asia region, Omicron has entered several areas where this is only the initial stage. But, we need to learn to not underestimate the number of cases because the numbers can still be more dynamic. Let’s say Singapore was recorded as the first ASEAN to enter by Omicron. At first, only 2 people were infected, but the latest news said that the patient increased to 71 cases (you can read here). This is a concern for everyone who still thinks this is over.

Now, what do we do to celebrate Christmas and New Year? I think, we still use the old way and it's still common everywhere. For example, when you participate in decorating a room or decorating a Christmas tree, you still have to wear a mask, don't forget to pocket your hand sanitizer, and keep your distance from others. Then, church administrators or pastors who hold meetings to prepare for Christmas should hold meetings virtually to avoid contact with the virus. It also keeps the church environment clean. On the other hand, musical instruments that accompany church activities are also needed to keep a little distance from others.

For the implementation of Christmas worship at the church, church administrators must be able to regulate the congregation to be more disciplined in wearing masks, washing hands, adjusting the available seating distance, and ensuring the congregation is already vaccinated (for people who haven’t been vaccinated are temporarily not allowed to enter the church). For those who can’t go to church due to health factors and haven’t been vaccinated, you can do live streaming worship from any church. So, all health protocols can be implemented by anyone and there is no big risk that threatens.

While for the new year celebrations, I hope the government and police can regulate or limit the gathering of people on the streets, such as limiting tourist attractions to only those who have been vaccinated. Then, put up warning banners to keep the distance in crowded areas and so on. I thought I could celebrate the new year at home, but it wasn't much fun. However, health is the main thing and we are still fighting for a better life. So, I hope the pandemic can be over next year.

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