DOH OIC Vergeire said there is no need for the public to panic following the confirmation of the XBB.1.16’s local transmission in Western Visayas, saying that public health measures such as masking and physical distancing remain effective against the virus.
'Do not panic, be cautious': DOH confirms local transmission of XBB.1.16 in Western Visayas
May 16, 2023 07:57 AM
At a glance
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, May 16, confirmed the local transmission of XBB.1.16 Omicron subvariant in Western Visayas.
(Department of Health)
Latest genome sequencing revealed that there are three additional cases of immune-evasive and transmissible XBB.1.16 or “Arcturus” subvariant of Omicron in Western Visayas, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire confirmed in a media forum on Tuesday.
“We have been discussing [this] with the experts since last week and we think, based on what we are seeing, there is already no linkage to any of these cases that we [have identified]. There is already a local transmission of this Arcturus just like any of the different Omicron variants in the country,” said Vergeire.
Following this confirmation, Filipinos were told not to panic but remain cautious to protect oneself from the lingering virus.
“We do not need to be afraid. We will still be protected against this variant if we follow our health standards. Wear your mask, get vaccinated, and immediately isolate yourself if you are sick so you don’t infect others,” she added in a mix of English and Filipino.