Following the detection of new COVID-19 Omicron XBB subvariant and XBC variant in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his call for Filipinos to get vaccinated and boosted and to continue to be vigilant and not be complacent.

“Huwag muna tayong magkumpyansa dahil delikado pa rin ang panahon lalu na’t may mga lumilitaw pa rin na bagong variants at subvariants ng COVID-19 (Let us not be too confident these days especailly since there are still new variants and subvariants of Covid-19 that are emerging),” said Go in a statement.

“Hangga’t maaari, magsuot pa rin tayo ng masks at sumunod sa health protocols upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng mga ito. Magtiwala din tayo sa payo ng mga eksperto at otoridad na wala namang ibang hangarin kundi ang kapakanan ng buong sambayanan (As much as possible, let us still wear masks and adhere to health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. Let us trust the experts and authorities who only want what is best for the people),” the Senate Committee on Health and Demography chief added.

The Department of Health (DOH), last Tuesday, reported that 193 cases of the XBC variant and 81 cases of the Omicron XBB subvariant have been detected in the Philippines.

All confirmed cases of the XBB were detected in the Davao Region and the Western Visayas. On the other hand, the XBC cases were detected in 11 different regions throughout the country.

Seventy (70) of those detected with XBB have fully recovered, while eight are still being treated in isolation. While the status of the remaining three are being confirmed, the DOH reported that there were no fatalities among the patients.

Meanwhile, 176 of those infected with the XBC variant have recovered, three are still in isolation, and the outcomes of the remaining cases are still being determined. Five have died due to the XBC variant.

Health authorities allege that the XBB subvariant, which is thought to be “highly immune-evasive,” could still infect people who have COVID-19 antibodies.

The said subvariant is reportedly causing an increase in cases in Singapore, though it was noted that healthcare facilities were not overrun by the subvariant.

The XBC variant, which is thought to be a recombinant of the Delta and BA.2 variants, is currently being investigated and monitored by the United Kingdom (UK) Health Security Agency.

Go, likewise, reiterated his appeal to the public to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible, noting that data shows milder symptoms among those infected who have been vaccinated.

“Mas delikado talaga kapag hindi bakunado. Kung mahal ninyo ang inyong pamilya, magpabakuna na po kayo. Libre naman ito galing sa gobyerno. Proteksyon ninyo ito laban sa virus at susi upang malampasan ang pandemya (it is more dangerous if you are not vaccinated. If you love your family, get vaccinated. It is free; the vaccines will serve as your protection against the virus and the key to overcome this pandemic),” Go appealed.