Thirty new highly contagious COVID-19 Omicron variant local cases have been detected in Western Visayas, with 10 others involving returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) still up for verification, the Department of Health in Western Visayas announced Thursday, January 27.
“ROFs for verification” means they are coordinating with the concerned local government units if indeed the cases are really from Region 6, and if the patients have already arrived as indicated in their addresses, the DOH said.
Of the 30 local Omicron cases, Capiz has 14, Iloilo City – 12, Iloilo province – 2, Guimaras- 1 and Aklan- 1, the DOH said.
The DOH said of the ROFs for verification, Iloilo City was identified as having 4, Negros Occidental – 3, Iloilo province – 1, Guimaras – 1 and Aklan -1.
Of the 618 new Omicron variant cases detected in the Philippines, 497 were local cases and 121 ROFs, the DOH also said.
“We strongly urge the public to complete their primary series of vaccines and boosters, especially those who are most vulnerable to the virus such as the elderly, the young, and the sick. The vaccines provided by the government are proven to be safe and effective in preventing hospitalization, even death caused by severe and critical symptoms,” the DOH added.*