New COVID variant Nimbus not yet in PH

Health officials have confirmed that the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1, nicknamed "Nimbus" or "razor blade," has not yet been detected in the Philippines.

The World Health Organization has categorized the Nimbus variant as low risk, with symptoms generally remaining mild and hospitalizations not increasing.

DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo stated that COVID-19 bed occupancy in the Philippines has remained below 10 percent.

The Nimbus variant typically causes mild symptoms like a common cold, nasal congestion, sore throat, and low-grade fever, without the severe breathing difficulties seen in previous variants.

The Philippines has seen a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases, with 2,760 recorded since January 2025, an 87 percent drop compared to 2024.

This decline is attributed to reduced testing and continued public adherence to health measures such as handwashing, mask-wearing, and social distancing.