Manila Bulletin
Omicron to become the dominant COVID-19 variant in 3 to 4 weeks - DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) is presuming that the Omicron variant wave has started to grow in the Philippines due to the daily doubling of COVID-19 cases.
Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega stated that while Omicron is present, it is not yet the dominant COVID-19 variant but is expected to become so within three to four weeks, accounting for 50% to 90% of cases.
The Delta variant will likely remain and coexist with Omicron.
Vega noted that genome sequencing in the Philippines is limited, with only 1% to 2% of positive samples being sequenced compared to 10% to 15% in Europe.
He emphasized the importance of preparing for Omicron due to its high transmissibility, estimated to be 30% to 50% higher than Delta, and its potential to cause mild disease in high volumes.
The DOH has no knowledge yet of when the current surge in COVID-19 cases will decelerate.
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Health experts suggest that the rapid rise in COVID-19 infections across the country could be attributed to the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
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The Philippines is prepared to face a possible Omicron wave of COVID-19, according to Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega, the country's treatment czar.
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The Department of Health (DOH) projects that the Philippines could reach the peak of its COVID-19 cases by the end of January, with the Omicron variant believed to be the main driver of the current surge.
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Infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvana stated that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is not mild and should not be underestimated.
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An infectious disease expert suggests that local transmission of the Omicron variant is highly probable due to the significant increase in new COVID-19 cases.
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