Baguio City, Philippines - The Department of Health-Cordillera on Wednesday, January 19, has confirmed the detection of two cases of Omicron variant in the country's Summer Capital.
In a report, DOH-CAR said that the two cases do not have any travel history outside Baguio City 14 days prior to the collection of specimen and that they were both tested positive for Omicron variant last January 15.
The first one is a close contact of a known COVID-19 case and is asymptomatic. His specimen was collected on December 14, 2021, which turned out positive for COVID-19 on December 15. The specimen was then sent to Philippine Genome Center (PGS) on December 23, 2021, for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and found to be positive of the variant.
As for the other case, DOH-CAR said that the individual is symptomatic and that the specimen was collected on December 22 and reported positive for COVID-19 on December 24. The specimen was sent for WGS on December 28, 2021.
Currently, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) is conducting an investigation of the cases simultaneously with the tracing of the two cases' possible contacts.
With said eventuality, the health department is now urging the public to adhere to minimum public health standards such as the proper wearing of face masks, washing and sanitizing their hands frequently, observance of physical distancing, and proper ventilation, and avoiding crowded areas.
The agency likewise said that they strongly urge eligible individuals to get vaccinated and get their booster shots immediately.
"Vaccines are still our best defense and proven to be safe, effective, and free. Let’s remain vigilant and continue to keep our guards on for Omicron," DOH-CAR said.
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