COVID-19 cases in Zamboanga City are showing a declining trend amid a spike in cases in Metro Manila, but City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite still warns of a possible surge due to the entry of the Omicron variant in the country.
Authorities have intensified their patrols in the city’s borders and shorelines to prevent a delay in the entry of the more contagious variant.

During a virtual press briefing last Monday, Miravite, however, revealed a close call with the entry of Omicron.
“Actually there was one individual who had close contact with a patient infected with omicron variant but he already got well because he was asymptomatic,” Miravite said.
As of January 3, the Zamboanga COVID tracker showed a total of 84 active cases, three cases lower than the 87 recorded the previous day.
There were no recorded mortalities for January 2 and one recorded death for January 3. Majority of the cases are either mild or asymptomatic.
Amid the seemingly improving trend, Miravite is still warning of a possible increase in cases due to the surge being experienced in Metro Manila.
"Ta mira quita, ta subi el caso de Covid 19 na NCR. We are expecting it's just a matter of time na pwede kita experiencia el surge, (As we can see, cases of COVID-19 are rising at NCR. We are expecting it’s just a matter of time before we can also experience a surge,)" Miravite said.
Four cases of the Omicron variant were detected from incoming international passengers at the Manila International Airport.