Philippines detects 2 Omicron variant cases

THE Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, the detection of two Omicron variant cases in the Philippines.

In a statement, the DOH said one of the two Omicron variant cases is a returning Filipino who arrived in the country from Japan on December 1 via Philippine Airlines flight PR 0427. The person is currently asymptomatic but had symptoms of cough and colds upon arrival.

The other was a Nigerian national who arrived in the country from Nigeria on November 30 via Oman Air flight WY 843. He was asymptomatic.

The DOH said the two individuals have been isolated in a facility managed by the Bureau of Quarantine.

“The DOH is determining possible close contacts among co-passengers during the flights of these two cases,” the health department said.

“The DOH is verifying the test results and health status of all passengers of these flights to determine if there are other confirmed cases or passengers who became symptomatic after arrival,” it added.

The DOH also urged travelers who have arrived in the Philippines through the said flights to get in touch with them or their respective local government units.

READ: Philippines braces for Omicron variant

(SunStar Philippines)