This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning., according to World Health Organization.
ADDITIONAL 618 more cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant in the country have been detected of which 497 are local cases and 121 are returning Overseas Filipinos.
This brought the total confirmed Omicron cases in the country to 1,153.
The health department said of the local cases, 238 have indicated addresses in the National Capital Region, 71 in Calabarzon, 30 each in Ilocos Region and Western Visayas, 28 in Eastern Visayas, 27 in Central Luzon, 20 in Central Visayas, 19 in Cagayan Valley,
Meanwhile, 13 have addresses in the Cordillera Administrative Region, 10 in Davao Region, six in SOCCSKSARGEN, two each in the Bicol Region and Mimaropa, and one in Northern Mindanao.
The DOH said 13 cases are still active.
A total of five individuals with Omicron have passed, said the DOH.
The latest run sequenced 677 samples, of these 91.29% was Omicron.
Meanwhile, the country also detected 35 additional cases of the Delta variant, bringing the total to 8,647.
“The Department urges the public to complete their primary series of vaccines and boosters, especially those who are most vulnerable to the virus such as the elderly, the young, and the sick,” the DOH said.
“The vaccines provided by the government are proven to be safe and effective in preventing hospitalization, even death caused by severe and critical symptoms,” it added.
The government has blamed Omicron for the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, prompting it to put many highly urbanized areas, including the National Capital Region, under Alert Level 3, which imposes restrictions on unvaccinated individuals and limits capacities in businesses.
