Central Visayas monitoring new COVID-19 variant

CEBU, Philippines —  The national government has already taken some steps to prevent, if not at least delay the entry of the Omicron variant of Sars-Cov-2, including barring the entry of foreign nationals from affected countries and possible return of the use of face shields.

The National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez said in yesterday’s virtual presser that they already had an emergency meeting with the IATF to discuss this matter.

Galvez, however, said he will let IATF and Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles discuss it in full detail.

Currently, however, some flights have already been suspended including those from South Africa, Botswana, and other countries with local cases or with the likelihood of occurrences of the B.1.1.529 variant or Omicron.

The national government is also monitoring passengers from South Africa and other nations that detected the B.1.1.529 coronavirus variant or Omicron which arrived earlier.

According to the World Health Organization, the B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on November 24, 2021.

“This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other VOCs,” part of the WHO report read.

Based on the evidence presented indicative of a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology, the Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE)  has advised WHO that this variant should be designated as a VOC(variant of concern), and the WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a VOC, named Omicron.

Along with this, aside from the pointers given to countries, each Individual is reminded to take measures to reduce risks of COVID-19, including proven public health and social measures like wearing well-fitting masks, hand hygiene, physical distancing, improving ventilation of indoor spaces, avoiding crowded spaces, and getting vaccinated.

Galvez said face shields have been considered to be used again.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque, for one, and WHO want it back, said Galvez.

“Sec. Duque is for it and some people of WHO because of the added protection of face shield.”

“We are looking at the possibility…Inano nga ni Sec.Duque na he is for it na mabalik yung any protections na pwede nating gamitin and some people from WHO also believes that kaya tayo nagkaroon ng magandang result dito sa Delta as compared to others is also because of the use of face shields,” said Galvez.

Monitoring

Meanwhile, DOH-7 chief pathologist and VVOC spokesperson Dr.Mary Jean Loreche said Omicron is currently being monitored as to whether it can cause more transmissions, a severe form of the illness or on its impact on the vaccines.

“Mutations are common to RNA viruses and is expected where cases are uncontrolled or when there are more transmissions,” said Loreche.

Loreche said the test-upon-arrival for passengers from abroad has not stopped at the Mactan Cebu International airport as well so that monitoring of whatever variants becomes easier.

Loreche though stressed that as long as public health measures and vaccination against coronavirus continue, there is nothing to be afraid of.

“As long as we continue to adhere to our minimum public health measures, keep our cases low and have more individuals vaccinated, we need not be afraid. Keeping our borders safe by the continuance of our travel restrictions and testing protocols will somehow help prevent its entry,” she said.

Also, Loreche said the new variant of concern is a reminder that COVID-19 is still very much around.

“This once again is a reminder that COVID-19 is still very much with us and by keeping our vigilance without letting our guards down can help us retain our more open economic policy,” she said.

Cebu City’s EOC deputy chief implementer and City Councilor Joel Garganera said they will give focus on this one.

“Naa na sab bag-o nga variant of concern ang Omicron. Ato ning tutukan, kay naa chansa na kini maspaspas makatakud. Naa gyapon chansa na mag surge na pud.  Ang gisulti sa mga experts nga ang 4th surge kay ang surge of the unvaccinated,” said Garganera.

With this, Garganera urged anew Cebuanos to get themselves vaccinated. — KQD (FREEMAN)