The Department of Health (DOH) reported 29 new COVID-19 cases of the Omicron variant, detected on Thursday, January 6. 

These additional Omicron variant infections came from the 48 samples sequenced last January 2.

In a joint statement with the University of the Philippines – Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) and the University of the Philippines – National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH), the DOH also reported 18 new Delta variant cases while one had no lineage assigned.

All agencies noted that the latest sequencing run was composed of samples from 19 returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and 29 local cases from areas with case clusters, the Philippine News Agency reported.

“The 29 Omicron variant cases are composed of 10 ROFs and 19 local cases with indicated addresses in the National Capital Region (NCR), bringing the total number of confirmed Omicron variant cases to 43,” the DOH said.

Of the 19 local cases, 14 are still active, while three have been tagged as recovered. In addition, there are two cases whose outcomes are still being verified.

DOH added it is verifying the test results and health status of all passengers of these flights to determine if there are other confirmed cases or passengers who became symptomatic after arrival.

Of the additional 18 Delta variant cases, eight were ROFs, bringing the total number of confirmed Delta variant cases in the country to 8,497.

With this, the health department has urged eligible individuals, especially those under the vulnerable categories: senior citizens, individuals with comorbidities, and children, to get vaccinated and booster shots as soon as possible.

“Vaccines are still our best defense and proven to be safe, effective, and free. Let’s not be agents of transmission and prevent further spread of the virus as more transmission means more mutations,” DOH said.

It also reminded the public to isolate immediately and do the proper test at the right time at the earliest signs of symptoms. – WhatALife.ph

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