Rappler
‘Massive, uncontrolled’ transmission of Omicron feared in Metro Manila
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.
Dr. Rontgene Solante, a member of the Vaccine Expert Panel, stated that Omicron could be three to five times more transmissible than the Delta variant due to its extensive mutations and high secondary and household transmission.
The current surge in cases indicates heightened virus transmission, with Metro Manila's positivity rate reaching 52%, meaning one in two people tested turned out positive.
A record-high of 28,707 new infections were reported on Sunday, January 9, bringing the total caseload to nearly 3 million.
The country's experts operate under the assumption of community transmission, even without an official declaration or confirmation through genome sequencing.
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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 Department of Health (DOH) anticipates that Omicron cases in the Philippines could double by February, with the peak potentially occurring in late January or early February.
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The Omicron variant may soon replace the Delta variant as the dominant COVID-19 variant in the Philippines, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
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The Philippines has confirmed 29 additional Omicron variant cases, increasing the country's total to 43, with 19 of these cases being local.
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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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