
The Philippines has detected its first two cases of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant from travelers who recently arrived from Japan and Nigeria.
The two cases were detected from 48 samples sequenced on December 14, 2021 as per the Department of Health (DOH) in a statement released at noon today.
The first patient is from a Filipino who returned from an overseas trip to Japan last December 1, 2021. As per the DOH, the patient is currently asymptomatic despite showing symptoms of colds and cough upon arrival.
The second patient is a Nigerian national who arrived from Nigeria last November 30, 2021. As per the DOH, the patient is also currently asymptomatic.
The DOH assured that both patients are currently isolated in a facility managed by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).