PGC urges labs to send more samples for genome sequencing amid Omicron threat

The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) stressed on Saturday, Dec. 11, urged laboratories in airports, ports of entry, and in various regions of the country to send additional samples for genome sequence given the imminent entry of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant Omicron.

In an interview on DZMM, PGC Executive Director Cynthia Saloma stressed the importance of immediately sending samples for genome sequencing and urged laboratories to double its efforts in transporting them.

She said that what usually happens is that they are not able to reach their capacity in conducting genome sequencing because of the few samples that they receive. Their current capacity, according to her, is 750.

She added that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has already given them extra funds to boost their capacity to conduct up to 1,500 sequences.

"Kung pwede mga Local Government Unit (LGU) through Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) makipag-ugnayan pa tayo sa DOH at magpadala pa po tayo ng samples because we have enough capacity to sequence them (If it's okay the LGUs through the RESU please coordinate more with the DOH and send additional samples because we have enough capacity to sequence them)," Saloma said.

She explained the significance of submitting the samples as early as possible especially if it's associated with clusters, increased deaths, or increased admissions. Saloma also mentioned that it should be coordinated immediately with the Department of Health (DOH) since the agency provides the priority criteria for the conduct of genome sequencing.

Meanwhile, she disclosed that Omicron has not yet been detected so far as of Saturday. She said however, that it's only a matter of time before the variant enters the country. Saloma said postponing its arrival gives the government a lot of time to observe what is happening in South Africa and in other countries

"So far from the 18,000 and above na whole genome sequences ng PGC naisagawa some of those coming from our ports of entry others from the different regions of the Philippines wala pa po tayong nadetect na Omicron. We don't know the data next week but as of now wala pa po tayong nadetect na Omicron (So far from the 18,000 and above genome sequences that the PGC has conducted from ports of entry and others from the different regions of the Philippines we have not yet detected Omicron. We don't know the data next week but as of now we have not yet detected it)," she said.