The entry of the heavily mutated Omicron coronavirus variant is a matter of when, and not if, the Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had earlier warned that the Omicron variant is likely to spread internationally and poses a very high risk of infection surges that could have “severe consequences” in some places.
RELATED STORY: PH reimposes three-day quarantine for ‘Green List’ countries due to Omicron threat
The country’s President Rodrigo Duterte asked health experts: “Is there a possibility that the Omicron will visit the Philippines?”
“Yes, sir,” replied Duque during the meeting of the National Task Force on COVID-19 with Duterte. “It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.”
READ ON: BioNTech develops vaccine against COVID-19 Omicron variant
He reportedly said the country must intensify its PDITR or prevent, detect, isolate, treat, reintegrate strategies.
Authorities must also take advantage of the currently low COVID-19 figures to boost the health system, Duque was quoted as saying. (AW)
