DOH backs Marcos’ observation that Omicron ‘does not hit hard’
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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday backed the observation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the COVID-19 Omicron variant is less deadly compared to the other variants.
In his first public conference on Tuesday, Marcos claimed that “Omicron is a little contagious, but it does not hit hard.”
“The COVID-19 Omicron variant, though transmissible, does not result in more severe and critical cases compared to other variants, data do support the President’s observation,” said the DOH in a statement.
According to the DOH, only 3.09 percent of Omicron cases from December 2021 to February 2022 had severe or critical cases — less than half of observed severe or critical cases for the Delta variant, which was at 8.2 percent from August to October 2021; and the Alpha variant which was at 6.22 percent from March to May 2021.
Only 1.8 percent of the Omicron cases also resulted in deaths, still lower compared to the 5.55 percent in Alpha, and 4.9 percent in Delta.
“Note that DOH is using a two-month period covering the peak of these VOCs to make figures comparable,” it added.
The DOH attributed these relatively good numbers to the government’s high vaccination coverage and “very good compliance with health protocols,” but reminded the public not to “rest on these numbers.”
“Our wall of immunity must be maintained by increasing the number of people aged 12 and up with a first booster or third dose. We must also increase primary series coverage for the very young (5 to 12yo) and seniors (60yo and up),” said DOH.
“Consistent compliance with health protocols will also protect those that cannot be vaccinated due to age (younger than five) or medical conditions, for whom cases may have higher severity,” it added.
As of July 4, the number of confirmed Omicron cases in the country was 7,919.
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