THE World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a “variant of interest”, but said it did not pose much threat to public health.

“Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low,” WHO said.

The public health risk remains low, however, and current vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and death from JN.1 and other Covid-19 variants.

The JN.1 strain makes up an estimated 15 per cent to 29 per cent of cases in the US, and some infections have been detected in China.

Covid cases in Singapore jumped to 32,035 in the week that ended on December 2, up considerably from the previous week of just over 22,000.

Meanwhile, Indonesian officials reinstalled thermal scanners at some border check points, include Jakarta’s main international airport and Batam’s ferry terminal

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said earlier this month that JN.1 was first detected in the US in September and although it was likely to be more transmissible than other variants, it did not appear to cause more severe illnesses.

In China, the most prevalent variant is EG.5 but health authorities are expecting a rise in JN.1 because of an increase in imported cases, as well as mass travel over the Lunar New Year holidays in early February.

The provincial government of Quezon has reinstated the mandatory wearing of face masks due to an increasing number of COVID-19 cases and respiratory illnesses.

An order signed by Provincial Governor Dr. Angelina Tan on Dec. 27 but made public on Friday said “face masks shall continue to be worn for indoor settings and in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.”

The rise in JN.1 cases will also increase the risks of severe cases and deaths among elderly and vulnerable people with underlying diseases.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported 521 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total nationwide tally to 4,135,345 cases.

According to the latest DOH COVID-19 bulletin, there are a total of 5,757 active cases nationwide. Since Wednesday, 816 recoveries and no new deaths were reported.

What’s worrisome is the 21.7% seven-day positivity rate with 195 cases in NCR.

We need proactive visionary leaders who think about public safety and who are not dilly- dallying thus compromising the lives of the people.

When the @DOHgovph says that’s the people ‘s accountability – surely people will take the comfortable way.

We don’t give options if lives are on the line.

Great leaders question their assumptions and don’t respond impulsively when they’re challenged.

Most people don’t need more knowledge, they need more perspective on the knowledge they already have.

That way, they gain the confidence to act, fail, and stack the experience necessary to succeed with that knowledge. Too many people learn too much and act too little.

The advisory on firecrackers or paputok are explosive in the news but we know that the Filipino people don’t change – they want to get hurt by doing risky irresponsible things.

Ineptitude of the people is a big issue in this country.

Masks really work, vaccines reduce illness and death, there’s masses of Covid around and it’s dangerous, infections are preventable, and Long Covid syndrome can ruin your life.

Wear face masks.

Don’t let COVID and other viral / bacterial infections spoil your New Year celebration !

Stay well.

Enjoy Covid free New Year !

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Anthony C. Leachon, M. D.

Independent Health Reform Advocate

Past President ,
Philippine College of Physicians

Department of Internal Medicine
Manila Doctors Hospital