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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Local transmission of Omicron subvariant 'Arcturus' is 'likely' - DOH

Local transmission of Omicron subvariant 'Arcturus' is 'likely' - DOH

Published May 12, 2023 02:18 pm
The Department of Health (DOH) said that local transmission of Covid-19 Omicron subvariant XBB. 1.16 also known as Arcturus is "likely" after cases increased to four---all detected in Western Visayas. In a statement on Friday, May 12, the DOH noted that local transmission of the said subvariant is possible "since there is an increasing number of cases of the variant with no linkages to international cases or no known history of exposure." With that, the DOH reiterated that COVID-19 is here to stay and that the public must continue to learn and live with the virus. Hence, certain measures and protocols must be in place to help mitigate virus transmission and mutation. However, the Department reminds the public that the symptoms of the said subvariant remain to be mild. Data shows that these mutations, though it’s more transmissible, it is less in severity. DOH said that it puts weight on the number of severe and critical cases in the community and the healthcare utilization rates. "In general, COVID-19 exhibits flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache, body pain, diarrhea – among others," DOH said. "Even so, with that, the DOH further reminds the public to continue applying our layers of protection such as wearing of masks, isolating when manifesting symptoms, and ensuring good airflow to remain protected against the virus," it added. Furthermore, the DOH continuously encourages the public to get vaccinated and boosted as these remain to be the most effective protection against COVID-19.

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department of health Department of Health (DOH) omicron subvariant Omicron
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