Omicron may enter PH in 2-3 months —NTF adviser

FILE PHOTO: A 3D-printed coronavirus model is seen in front of a world map and the words “CoronaVirus Disease (Covid-19)” on display in this illustration taken March 25, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Omicron COVID-19 variant may enter the Philippines in two to three months, National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 adviser Dr. Teodoro Herbosa said Wednesday.

Herbosa echoed the recommendation of health experts that the interval for booster shots be shortened so the Philippines could be prepared for Omicron’s entry.

“A good number are due for their booster doses and I also agree that maybe we should shorten so that we can be prepared for the entry of Omicron which is in about two or three months probably there will be Omicron here in the Philippines,” he said during the Go Negosyo public-private sector dialogue.

Currently, booster shots are administered after six months to individuals who received a two-dose vaccine and after three months to those who received a single-dose vaccine.

Despite fears of causing a possible surge in COVID-19 cases due to the new variant, Herbosa said fear of the Omicron variant has pushed people to get vaccinated.

He recalled that many individuals went to vaccination sites during the three-day national vaccination drive to get their COVID-19 jabs after the World Health Organization tagged Omicron as a variant of concern.

“And we saw a deluge of people who actually went to our vaccination sites, mostly senior citizens, what I saw. So, they have been a priority even before March and April when we started vaccination. But they haven’t gotten their vaccinations,” Herbosa noted.

“So, I think the fear of Omicron changed the hesitancy of some people. So, in a way, I’d like to thank the Omicron variant for that,” he pointed out.

Further, Herbosa called on the public to maintain their defense by wearing a face mask, getting a COVID-19 vaccine, and the booster dose.

/MUF