WHO: Omicron to replace Delta as dominant variant of coronavirus

The World Health Organization said Friday that the more transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus will eventually replace the Delta variant.

"It's very likely that the Omicron variant is going to replace the Delta variant as much as the Delta variant replaced the earlier Alpha and Beta variants," Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO country representative for the Philippines, told ANC.

"We have to prepare for that eventuality when the Omicron variant starts spreading in the Philippines," he added.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier confirmed two Omicron cases, both imported, in the country.

Abeyasinghe said that while little is known if Omicron variant causes severe COVID-19, it should not be underestimated given that the United Kingdom recorded 78,000 new COVID-19 cases when the variant emerged there.

"The 78,000 cases in a day happened  given the conducive situation of the winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere, so what we have is a window of opportunity to increase our preparedness by protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring access to COVID-19 vaccines," he said.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje earlier said that the Omicron variant infects households more than the Delta variant. 

There are at least 42 million Filipinos fully vaccinated against COVID-19 so far. The government aims to fully vaccinate 54 million by year end. --KBK, GMA News