The Department of Health (DOH) believes that there is a "high possibility" of local transmission of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant in the country.
This after the DOH announced the detection of three local cases of Omicron variant in the Philippines.
"The DOH would like to inform the public that in the coming days/weeks, there is high probability of exponential growth with continued decreased adherence to MPHS (minimum public health standards) and the detection of local cases with Omicron variant," the agency said in an advisory on Friday, Dec. 31.
"The epidemiological investigation on the three local cases indicates there is a high possibility of local transmission," the DOH said.
READ: DOH detects 3 local cases of Omicron variant
Despite the detection of local cases, the DOH said it has yet to officially announce the local transmission of this variant.
“Local transmission is when we can categorically establish that there is no linkage to any of the previous cases, in this case the imported cases. Epidemiological investigation is still continuing,” DOH Health Promotion Bureau and the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau Director Dr. Beverly Ho told reporters.
To note, the Philippines already confirmed 14 Omicron coronavirus variant cases. Of which, 11 were imported cases, while three were local.
Strictly following the health and safety protocols was emphasized by the Health department.
"There is no reason to fear, only every reason to act responsibly and consistently," it said.
"Regardless of what variant we are facing, what we've learned to do the past two years will serve us well. Together, let us avoid harming those at greater risk for severe disease," it added.
The DOH said it is important at this point not to overwhelm hospitals in order for them to accommodate patients with severe COVID-19 disease.
“The biggest challenge now for all of us is to keep our hospitals open for the sickest patients. Unlike before where our hospitals can easily reallocate their beds for COVID-19, know that our hospitals now are also equally preoccupied with caring for non-COVID-19 cases,” it said.
“In view of this, we request everyone to work together to avoid being unnecessarily admitted and occupying beds that may benefit those who really need it, e.g. with severe/critical symptoms or children who are not yet eligible for vaccination,” it added.
All eligible Filipinos were urged to get vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19 as soon as possible.
“Layering up protection by using surgical mask, double masking, or pairing up your cloth mask with face shield, avoiding crowded places, and keeping to your family bubble,” the DOH said.
“Isolating early if symptomatic, getting the right test at the right time, and finishing the prescribed duration. doing isolation supported by teleconsultation, when resources permit,” it added.