The Delta variant of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is expected to gradually “die out and disappear” as the highly transmissible Omicron variant takes over, a fellow of OCTA Research said.

“If what happens here mimics what happened elsewhere in the world, is that in time – within a month, in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Delta variant will simply disappear. It will be replaced completely by Omicron,” said molecular biologist and OCTA fellow Fr. Nicanor Austriaco in an interview over CNN Philippines on Jan. 3.

“The reason for this is once you are infected by Omicron, you have significant protection against Delta. So Delta will run out of food because Omicron will steal all of the vulnerable patients from Delta. So Delta will die out,” he added.

Austriaco, when asked, said that he would prefer to fight against an Omicron wave as it is much “less of a challenge” than a Delta wave.

“I would prefer this to be an Omicron wave because from a public health perspective, an Omicron wave is actually less of a challenge than a Delta wave,” he said, adding that the percentage of hospitalizations is “significantly lower” with Omicron.

Austriaco likewise reiterated that in the end, the country’s goal is to protect lives, protect hospitals, and protect health workers.

Meanwhile, OCTA Research fellow said that they are hoping that the currently imposed restrictions would help prevent the spread of the virus.

The group of experts, through Austriaco, also urged the public to get vaccinated and continue adhering to minimum public health standards to avoid the transmission of COVID-19. (Charie Mae F. Abarca)