The Department of Health (DOH) reported that Omicron subvariant XBB and the XBC variant of the Covid-19 virus were already detected in the Philippines.

Based on the latest genome sequencing result, 81 cases of XBB subvariant were detected and 193 cases of XBC variant were also found in the country, said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a press briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 18.

Of the 81 XBB cases, Vergeire said 70 patients have already recovered, eight are still undergoing isolation, and the health status of the other three individuals are still being verified.

The XBB cases were found in Western Visayas and Davao region, said Vergeire.

Of the 193 XBC cases, 176 have recovered, three are still undergoing isolation, five patients have died, while the health outcomes of the nine other patients are still being checked by the DOH, said Vergeire.

The cases of XBC were detected in Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Davao region, Soccsksargen, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Caraga, Cordillera Administrative Region, and National Capital Region, said Vergeire.

Vergeire said that Omicron XBB "has been the primary cause of new Covid-19 spikes" in Singapore.

This Omicron subvariant has been detected also in Australia, Bangladesh, Denmark, India, Japan, and the United States.

"The Singaporean Ministry of Health stated that there are no sufficient evidence that the XBB variant causes a more severe illness," said Vergeire.

Citing the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vergeire said that current available evidence for XBB "does not suggest any differences in disease severity and/or clinical manifestations compared to the original Omicron variant."

Meanwhile, the XBC variant is a "recombinant of Delta and BA.2 variants," said Vergeire.

The XBC variant is still "under monitoring and investigation as classified by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency," she said.

"However, other global health agencies such as WHO (World Health Organization) or European Centers for Disease Control are yet to determine the risk this variant poses," she added.

More transmissible but no need to panic

Vergeire said that both the Omicron subvariant XBB and XBC variant are more transmissible than the original form of the Omicron variant.

“Based on evidence right now... this XBB and XBC has that growth advantage over the original Omicron and the BA.5 subvariant of Omicron. Ibig sabihin pag may growth advantage, mas transmissible siya,” she said.

The DOH has yet to confirm if these cases are considered local or community transmission. Vergeire said that they are still in the process of verifying the “profiles” of these patients.

Meanwhile, Health Expert Dr. Edsel Salvana said there is no need to panic at this point but people should strictly observe the minimum public health standards.

“It’s very important to keep a close eye on this, no need to panic. Panic does not solve anything. We should stick to what we know works,” he said.

Vergeire noted that despite the detection of these new strains of Covid-19 virus, “the country remains to be at low risk case classification and hospitalization rates remain manageable.”

Border control

There is no indication yet to recommend a tighter border control despite the detection of Omicron XBB and the XBC variant, said Vergeire.

“Sa ngayon, wala pong indikasyon para tayo ay maghigpit. Katulad ng lagi naming sinasabi (Right now, there is no indication for us to tighten up. Just like we always say), the life cycle of a virus includes mutations and the production of new variants,” she said.

“Tayo po ay may safeguards na sa ngayon because our population is vaccinated. Pangalawa, yung behavior ng pagsusuot ng masks ay nandyan na sa ating mga kababayan. Pangatlo, handa ang ating sistema kung sakali na tataas ang mga kaso (We already have safeguards because our population is vaccinated. Second, the behavior of wearing masks is already embedded among our citizens. Third, our system is ready if ever cases will increase),” she added.