DOH: No Nimbus variant cases, existing vaccines effective

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced on Thursday that there are no reported cases of the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1, also known as 'Nimbus,' in the Philippines.

Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo clarified on Sunday that the World Health Organization categorizes the Nimbus variant as low risk and noted that existing vaccines remain effective against it.

The DOH is monitoring new rises in COVID cases in Southeast Asia but emphasized that hospital occupancy rates in the Philippines have remained below 10% since the pandemic's peak.

Domingo assured that while symptoms of the new variant are similar to other mild variants, severe complications like difficulty breathing and desaturation are not carried by NB.1.8.1.

Despite no significant increase in local cases, the DOH urges the public to continue observing precautionary measures during the flu season and remain vigilant regarding dengue cases which could rise during the rainy season.