Here we go again

With the election fever cooling down, our attention is now focused once more COVID-19 and its Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1.

The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the local transmission of the more contagious subvariant based on data provided by the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC), UP-PGC Visayas, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), and the regional/local epidemiology and surveillance units (R/LESUs).

According to the DOH, BA.2.12.1 cases have been detected in the National Capital Region, Western Visayas Region, and Puerto Princesa City.

In Western Visayas, all cases were traced to Iloilo province.

Local transmission means that local cases have been detected which cannot be epidemiologically linked to cases with significant international travel history.

Recent studies and evidence indicate that Omicron BA.2.12.1 is highly contagious due to additional mutations compared to the original Omicron strain.

While this new variant has not been observed to lead to more severe infections, it has the potential to dodge immunity.

Department of Health spokesperson Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the confirmation of local transmission merits fast action.

Health facilities and local government units are advised to actively trace possible cases and immediately isolate any person who has fever, cough, colds, sore or itchy throat, and other COVID-like signs and symptoms.

Testing using RT-PCR is strongly advised during active surveillance as the method also allows for genomic sequencing. Large clusters should be prioritized for investigation, and contact tracing for cases belonging to these clusters should be conducted, Vergeire added.

The DOH said local government units (LGUs) in areas where the new cases were detected are now conducting response operations following the government’s established 4-Door Strategy.

But travel restrictions and intensified screening and testing at the border (Doors 1 and 2) are not on the table because of high vaccination coverage and better treatment and management options for all severities of cases.

Immediately detecting and isolating cases (Door 3) and strengthening health system capacity to prepare for a potential spike in cases (Door 4) shall be reinforced further.

Special vaccination teams are on standby for immediate deployment to areas where the subvariant has been detected to provide additional population protection through vaccination and boosters.

“We are in a better position now to fight back against COVID-19. The DOH, through its Centers for Health Development and the LGUs, is now priming laboratory networks, temporary treatment and monitoring facilities, clinics, and hospitals to be ready,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

“We must all follow the health protocols – wear the best-fitted mask, isolate when sick, and choose good airflow. While the cases are low and the healthcare capacities are not overwhelmed, now is the best time to be vaccinated and get boosted as soon as eligible,” he added.

We only hope that the feverish invincibility we saw at the height of the campaign season will not give way to another surge and that this time, we are prepared to avoid lockdowns that will cripple our economy.