WHO: Omicron may soon replace Delta as dominant variant

The World Health Organization (WHO) country representative believes that the Omicron variant may soon replace Delta as the dominant variant in the Philippines.

As of Tuesday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that Delta is still the most prevalent variant with 43% detections, followed by Beta and Alpha variants.

The DOH also noted that Omicron cases are at 0.21%, totaling 43 cases.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III's statement suggesting Omicron as the dominant variant was based on recent genome sequencing data showing 29 new Omicron cases versus 18 Delta cases.

The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) clarified that their December data showed many Delta variants but purposive sampling among returning overseas Filipinos and local samples in NCR revealed more Omicron cases.