Two new cases of EG.5 subvariant of Omicron detected

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported two cases of the EG.5 subvariant of Omicron from the 703 identified infections of the various Omicron COVID-19 sub variants.

In an interview, the DOH reminded Filipinos to adhere to recommended layers of protections in order to protect themselves not only against COVID-19 but also from other infectious diseases.

“The variant was initially flagged due to its increasing global prevalence and has been detected in 49 countries or jurisdictions across six continents, according to sequence submissions in GISAID,” Dr. Nikky Necessario, a senior health program officer from the DOH said.

Necessario however clarified that current evidence for EG.5 does not suggest any differences in disease and severity compared to the original Omicron variant.

“At this time, we entrust the public to raise their risk-tolerance against COVID-19 and continue to practice assessing our risks,” She added.

The DOH also called on the public to get vaccinated and boosted to further strengthen our wall of immunity and to remain protected against COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has grouped EG.5 to the list of Omicron variants under monitoring (VUM) or a variant with genetic changes that are suspected to affect virus characteristics and early signals of growth advantage relative to other circulating variants, but for which evidence of phenotypic or epidemiological impact remains unclear, requiring enhanced monitoring and re-assessment pending new evidence.

Meanwhile, the DOH has also released clarifications and directives for the grant of the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) to health workers.

“All unpaid HEA for the period of July 2021 to July 20, 2023 (end of COVID-19 PHE) shall be processed and paid even after the duration of the COVID-19 PHE subject to availability of funds and existing budgeting, accounting and auditing laws rules and regulations,” The directive reads.

The Philippines has now logged over four million cases of COVID-19, almost four thousand of which are still active. Over sixty six thousand Filipinos have succumbed to the virus, according to data from the DOH.