Two Omicron cases detected in Baguio City

The Department of Health Cordillera recently announced that two cases of Omicron has been detected in Baguio City. Omicron (B.1.1.529), which was tagged as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization has been seen as the dominant variant in the recent surge of cases at a global scale.

One of the cases that were detected in Baguio City was a known contact of a COVID-19 case, was asymptomatic, and without any travel history outside of Baguio City within 14 days prior to the collection of the specimen. The timeline of the specimen verification is as follows:

• December 14, 2021 – Specimen was collected
• December 15, 2021 – Test turned out to be Positive
• December 23, 2021 – The specimen was sent to the Philippine Genome Center (PGS) for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
• January 15, 2022 – The specimen was reported positive for Omicron Variant

The second patient, on the other hand, experienced signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and there was no travel history outside of Baguio City 14 days prior to the collection of the specimen. The following is the timeline from the collection and verification of the COVID-19 variant for the second patient.

• December 22, 2021 – Specimen was collected
• December 24, 2021 – Test was reported to be positive
• December 28, 2021 –  The specimen was sent to the Philippine Genome Center (PGS) for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
• January 15, 2022 – The specimen was reported positive for Omicron Variant

It is because of these two cases that the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) is currently conducting investigation and contact tracing procedures.

The Department of Health Reminder

“With the detection of Omicron variant cases, the public is urged to adhere to the minimum public health standards, wear face masks properly, wash hands with soap and water or alcohol frequently, observe physical distancing, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid crowded areas. The DOH also strongly encourages eligible individuals to get vaccinated and boosted immediately. Vaccines are still our best defense and proven to be safe, effective, and free.

Let’s remain vigilant and continue to keep our guards on for Omicron.”