Omicron could be more, causes mild COVID-19
THE Department of Health (DOH) said evidence is showing that the Omicron variant, a variant of concern, only causes mild COVID-19 in patients.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said he had a talk with World Health Organization country representative Dr. Rabi Abeyasinghe who informed him of the developments.
“Sinabi niya number one lumalabas ho na mukhang dumadami ang ebidensya na mild ang Omicron, which is good for all of us. Number two, wala pa pong reported death on account of Omicron variant. Okay po ‘yan,” he added.
As of Dec. 5, the DOH said 42 countries or jurisdictions across the globe have reported 532 cases of the Omicron variant.
Meanwhile, Duque said the variant, which has at least 50 mutations, is “probably” more transmissible.
“Although kanina sinabi ni Fr. Austriaco ang posibilidad na ito nga mas mabilis makahawa, tama po ‘yun, but to what extent, wala pong datos na malinaw o conclusive para masiguro na talagang ito ay mas transmissible,” he said.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday said WHO may release its information on the Omicron variant within one to two weeks.
