PH detects 3 local, 7 imported Omicron COVID-19 variant cases

FILE PHOTO: A computer image created by Nexu Science Communication together with Trinity College in Dublin, shows a model structurally representative of a betacoronavirus which is the type of virus linked to COVID-19, shared with Reuters on February 18, 2020. NEXU Science Communication/via REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine health authorities have detected seven imported and three local cases of the highly contagious Omicron COVID-19 variant in the country, Malacañang and the Department of Health (DOH) announced Friday.

With this, there is a “high possibility” that there is already local transmission of the highly feared variant in the country, Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said.

The detection of local cases of the Omicron variant and the “exponential” increase of COVID-19 cases in the country prompted the government to escalate health protocols, especially in Metro Manila.

Aside from three local cases, health authorities have likewise found seven more imported cases of the feared variant from the 48 samples sequenced, the Department of Health (DOH) said in a separate statement.

This brought the total number of Omicron variant cases in the country to 14.

The seven imported cases include six returning overseas Filipinos and one Malaysian national, DOH said.

Three of the cases arrived from the United States on Dec. 15 to 16 while two arrived from the United Kingdom via the connecting flights of Singapore Airlines on Dec. 15 and Emirates Airlines flight on Dec. 9.

Another case arrived from the United Arab Emirates through a Philippine Airlines flight on Dec. 19, and the last imported case arrived from Ghana through the connecting flight of Qatar Airways flight on Dec. 14, DOH said.

The husband of the fourth Omicron case previously announced is among these seven cases. All other details are currently being verified.

/MUF