Manila Bulletin
Omicron now 'predominant' variant in NCR — DOH
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is now the predominant strain in the National Capital Region (NCR), with cases detected in 15 out of its 16 cities and one municipality.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported that Omicron is now detected in 13 out of the country's 17 regions.
DOH Epidemiology Bureau director Dr. Alethea de Guzman stated that while Omicron is the primary driver of the rise in COVID-19 cases, increased mobility, reduced adherence to health protocols, and delays in case detection also contributed.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire confirmed that community transmission of the Omicron variant is evident in Metro Manila.
The DOH is observing similar trends in other regions, including Region IV-A, Region II, CAR, Region VI, VII, and V.
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III previously reported that the Omicron variant constitutes 90% of recent genome sequencing results.
Despite the surge in cases, the percentage of severe and critical cases, as well as fatalities, have been declining in the NCR, with deaths lower than before due to a high vaccination rate.
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The Philippines has confirmed 492 new Omicron variant cases, bringing the total to 535, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
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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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Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced that new daily COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) have likely already peaked, citing a continuous decline in infections over the past few days.
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