DOH: We are prepared for Omicron variant

By Paulo DS. Papa

THE Department of Health (DOH) assured Bicolanos that it is ready for the possible surge next year of Covid-19 cases due to the Omicron variant.

Dr. Ernie Vera, DOH-Bicol director, in an online press conference said medical frontliners and medical institutions in Bicol have already faced surges of Covid-19 infections in 2020 and 2021.

He said DOH already institutionalized its procedures in case the Omicron variant spread in the region. He added that isolation and temporary Covid-19 treatment facilities put up by local government units (LGU) remain operational and ready.

Vera said that he is confident that with the cooperation of LGUs, they will be able to trace and manage patients carrying the Omicron variant in case it enters the region. Omicron is believed to be more contagious than the Delta variant. Like the Delta variant, Omicron causes mild symptoms with less severity.

In Naga City, Mayor Nelson Legacion admitted that allocating funds for Covid-19 response including for vaccination drive in the city is unavoidable and necessary.

Despite the high number of vaccinated city residents, he urged people to remain compliant with the health protocols, especially in enclosed and airconditioned premises.

As of press time, Naga City has 158,223 people who were already inoculated consisting of 89,048 people who received their first dose and 69,175 fully vaccinated persons.