
The Department of Health (DOH) reported the detection of 29 additional cases of Omicron variant in the Philippines.
The DOH reported that these new Omicron variant cases were detected from the 48 positive samples that underwent whole genome sequencing last Jan. 2.
Of the newly detected Omicron cases, 10 were returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and 19 were local cases “with indicated addresses in the National Capital Region,” the DOH said.
“Of the 19 local cases, 14 cases are still active, three cases have been tagged as recovered, while there are two cases whose outcome are still being verified,” the DOH said in a statement.
The DOH, meanwhile, has yet to provide the flight details of the ROFs.
“The DOH is verifying the test results and health status of all passengers of these flights to determine if there are other confirmed cases or passengers who became symptomatic after arrival,” it added.
With this development, the total number of confirmed Omicron variant cases in the country reached 43.
The DOH also reported 18 new Delta variant cases. These brought the total number of confirmed Delta variant cases to 8,497.
The DOH urged the public, particularly the senior citizens and those with underlying conditions, to get vaccinated and boosted immediately.
“Vaccines are still our best defense and proven to be safe, effective, and free. Let’s not be agents of transmission and prevent further spread of the virus as more transmission means more mutations,” it said.
“At the earliest signs of symptoms, remember to isolate immediately and do the right test at the right time. Finally, let us maximize our telemedicine services and keep our hospitals from filling-up. You may access these services at bit.ly.DOHTelemedicine. Let’s keep our guards on for Omicron,” it added.