THE Omicron XBB subvariant and sublineages dominated the latest genome sequencing of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) samples conducted by the Department of Health (DOH).
Based on its latest COVID-19 Biosurveillance Report, the DOH said 63 out of the 73 samples sequenced from June 19 to 23 have been classified as being XBB subvariant.
“63 were classified as XBB, including 2 XBB.1.5 cases, 27 XBB.1.16 cases, 12 XBB.1.9.1 cases, 2 XBB.1.9.2 cases, and 18 XBB.2.3 cases,” said the DOH.
The health department said the results of the latest genome sequencing is consistent with the trend observed since last month.
“From May 2023 onwards, XBB and its sublineages were the most detected variant,” said the DOH.
Aside from the XBB, the DOH said there were nine samples that were classified as BA.2.3.20.
The last sample is tagged as being under “other Omicron sublineages”.
Meanwhile, the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) and Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc (PHAPI) on Tuesday backed the recommendation of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to already lift the State of Public Health Emergency in the country under Proclamation No. 922.
PCP president Dr. Rontgene Solante said: “I fully support the lifting of the public health emergency. I have been saying all the while since the lifting of the WHO public health emergency, the Philippines should also lift the public health emergency.”
“Actually, it can be done already. Presently, there are less COVID patients for the past 3 weeks, and they are not the critical ones,” said PHAPI president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano.
Herbosa on Monday announced he is planning to ask President Marcos Jr. to already lift the state of COVID-19 public health emergency that was imposed back in March 8, 2020 as COVID-19 is already viewed as being similar to other illnesses subjected by the DOH to regular surveillance.
Solante and De Grano, however, stressed that the lifting of the public health emergency status should not result to the people being complacent against the virus.
“(There must be) continued pandemic preparedness plan, make COVID-19 vaccination part of the life course, and continue the COVID surveillance,” said Solante.
“The implementation of the safety nets and minimum health protocols should continue,” added De Grano.
