ON the heels of the detection of the newest subvariants of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the Philippines, an infectious disease expert yesterday urged the public, especially the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, to wear face masks and take other extra precaution when in public places.
In a radio interview, Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) president Dr. Rontgene Solante said it is imperative for those considered as part of the vulnerable population to wear their face masks and take additional safety measures to avoid getting infected with COVID-19.
“They should be extra careful in a way that they should wear face masks, especially in public places,” said Solante, adding: “Even for ordinary viral infection, they are also at higher risk and are more vulnerable to become severe.”
“We are reminding the public not to panic. However, those in the vulnerable population, like senior citizens, those with comorbidities, immunocompromised, and children must be extra careful,” he also said.
Aside from wearing face masks, Solante said it would also help if those in the vulnerable sector have complete and updated vaccination against COVID-19.
“There is an advantage if you have completed the vaccinations as you are at less risk of developing severe COVID-19,” he said.
On Tuesday, the DOH reported that the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) has detected two cases of the FLiRT subvariants in the country.
The DOH said there were two cases of KP.2 that were detected alongside 30 cases of JN.1 and two cases of JN.1.18 during the latest genome sequencing activity.
