Omicron is currently the dominant coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant in the country, exceeding the deadly Delta variant, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday night, Jan. 10.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said during the President's pre-recorded public address that based on their latest run of whole genome sequencing, 60 percent of the samples tested positive for Omicron.

"Siya na po yung nag-dodominate na variant (It is now the dominant variant) whereas before it was the Delta," Duque said.

Sequencing results

Latest sequencing results as of Jan. 3 presented by Duque showed 29 or 60.42 percent of the samples tested positive for Omicron. Of these, 19 are from Metro Manila while 10 are Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs).

On the other hand, 18 or 37.50 percent tested positive for the Delta variant with 10 from Metro Manila while eight are ROFs.

Meanwhile, DOH data on admissions showed that of 8,569 total admissions as of Jan. 9, 636 or 7 percent are severe cases while 271 or 3 percent are critical cases.

Duque stated this is due to the effective COVID-19 vaccination being done in the country. He also mentioned that the number of severe and critical cases is not like during the Delta variant's peak which is almost three times bigger.

Bed utilization rate

The country's national bed utilization rate is at 40 percent, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) utilization rate is at 38 percent while the mechanical ventilator utilization rate is at 17 percent. Duque said that almost all regions have registered an increase in utilization rates.

He said that hospitals have been advised to prioritize the admission of moderate, severe and critical cases. While mild and asymptomatic cases are asked to do their isolation in temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMFs) or at home.