Omicron variant expected to enter the Philippines – Duque

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said entry of the new Omicron variant to the Philippines is “not a matter of if, but a matter of when.”

“Talagang ‘yan po papasok ‘yan just as we have experienced with Alpha, Delta among the variants of concern,” according to Duque in Talk to the People on Monday led by President Rodrigo Duterte.

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The statement was made by Duque after Duterte asked about the possibility of the Omicron variant entering the country, which was first seen in Africa and has also entered some countries in Europe.

According to Duque, Omicron is also expected to enter the country, so strategies against it must be intensified.

“It is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when so talagang papasok ‘yan (Omicron) just as we experienced Alpha, Delta among the variants of concerns. Mr. President. So kinakailangang paigtingin ang PDITR strategy,” Duque told Duterte.

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He said that among the preparations that must be done is still the implementation of minimum health standards.

The secretary also mentioned using face shields in 3Cs areas or crowded areas, close-contact settings, and spotted areas.

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Omicron variant expected to enter the Philippines – Duque

He also said that the vaccination campaign should be intensified to achieve population protection against the virus.

He also said it would be good to prepare the health care system for the “worst case scenario.”

“Let’s take advantage of low number of cases and prepare for healthcare system capacity for the worst case scenario,” said Duque.

Although it is not yet certain whether the rate of transmission is severe and the effect of the virus on the human body is severe, the World Health Organization (WHO) has already declared Omicron a variant of concern.

Omicron variant has recorded cases in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy. Also in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Hong Kong

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