COVID-19 Omicron XBB subvariant and XBC variant cases have been detected in Western Visayas, the Department of Health 6 announced on Wednesday, October 19.
There are 60 XBB and five XBC cases that have been detected in the region, the DOH 6 said.
However, no details were available on where the persons found positive for the new variants are located in the region.
The cases are currently under investigation, the DOH 6 said.
The XBB subvariant has been causing COVID-19 spikes in Singapore and other countries.
Following the recent detection of the Omicron XBB subvariant and XBC variants and recognizing their reported potential immune-escape characteristics, the DOH said vaccines remain effective in preventing severe and critical COVID-19, as well as deaths regardless of variant.
The DOH assured that surveillance and monitoring activities continue to be implemented to ensure that threats of possible outbreaks are immediately addressed.
It reminded the public, especially the immunocompromised and the elderly, to get vaccinated and boosted.
Minimum public health standards such as masking, isolation, ventilation, and hand washing are important steps the public can take to mitigate transmission, it also said.*