The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared B.1.1.529 COVID-19 variant first detected in South Africa as a variant of concern (VOC).
The WHO said the Omicron variant which was reported to the health body on Nov. 24 has many mutations, including some that are “concerning.”
“Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other VOCs,” the WHO noted.
“The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa. Current SARS-CoV-2 PCR diagnostics continue to detect this variant,” it added.
Among the WHO recommendations to countries on the new variant include enhanced surveillance and sequencing efforts, while the public is reminded to observe public health protocols.
The Philippines on Friday (Nov. 26) announced the temporary suspension of inbound flights from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique.
Read more: PH imposes travel ban on South Africa, Botswana over new COVID-19 variant
South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe were likewise taken out of the Philippines’ green list. Hong Kong was reported to have detected Omicron variant from travelers under quarantine, and has not yet been included in the ban.
The Department of Health (DOH) said on Nov. 27 that the list of countries covered by the travel ban may be expanded, as it assured continuous biosurveillance measures in light of the new variant.
Read more: Talks underway for possible travel ban expansion as Omicron threat looms
While a downtrend of COVID-19 cases and healthcare utilization is observed in the Philippines, the DOH reminded the public to remain compliant with health protocols to prevent a reversion of improving figures.
The country’s COVID-19 positivity rate is below the 5% benchmark of the WHO.
“As long as we are able to do those things na sure tayo na makakapag minimize ng transmission, malaki po ang tyansa na happy pa rin po ang Christmas natin. Huwag lang talaga tayong bibitaw,” Dr. Beverly Ho of DOH Health Promotion Bureau said. –Report from Bea Bernardo/AG-rir
