Guide on Omicron Variant of COVID-19
OMICRON VARIANT – The World Health Organization (WHO) released some details about this “heavily mutated” variant of COVID-19.
Recently, a new variant of COVID-19, the Omicron variant, was detected in South Africa. It alarmed the World Health Organization (WHO) that is urging countries to boost efforts to prevent its entry and its spread.
The Omicron was first recorded in South Africa. Several other nations including Hong Kong have confirmed also confirmed cases. Initially, it is called B.1.1.529.
To prevent its entry, several nations are now implementing travel bans on travelers from countries that recorded cases of Omicron. One of these nations that tightened its borders is the Philippines.
Omicron was first detected in South Africa on November 24, 2021. It was in a sample collected on November 9, 2021. The country recently experienced a surge in the cases due to the Delta variant which also caused alarm.
Studies about the Omicron variant of COVID-19 are still ongoing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this new variant “has a large number of mutations” and some of them are alarming. Furthermore, the preliminary evidence suggests that there is a greater risk of reinfection.
WHO recommends wearing well-fitted masks, the practice of social distancing, proper hand hygiene, and vaccination against the COVID-19 to prevent Omicron infection. The international body also urges the avoidance of crowded spaces and improving the ventilation of indoor spaces.
In PH, the government is mulling over the possibility of re-imposing the mandatory use of face shields as an added protection amid the threats of Omicron. Only the returning Filipinos are allowed to enter the country now under certain protocols.
Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte said that the protocols will really be stricter once a case of Omicron would be detected in the country. Department of Health (DOH) Chief Francisco Duque III said that it is just a matter of time before the country records a case of Omicron.
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