The Philippine Health Ministry reported on January 15 that the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is spreading in the community in the capital city of Manila, amid a record spike of new COVID-19 cases on third consecutive day.

The Philippine Health Ministry reported on January 15 that the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is spreading in the community in

Speaking at a press teleconference, Philippine Undersecretary of Health Maria Rosario Vergeire warned that the number of new infection cases may peak from late January to mid-February.

Also according to the ministry, the country logged record 39,004 new cases on January 15 and 280,813 are under treatment. The Philippines now ranks second in Southeast Asia in terms of infections and deaths, behind Indonesia, with over 3.16 million cases and around 53,000 fatalities.

The same day, Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said quarantine period for COVID-19 patients will now vary based on their vaccination status and if they are showing symptoms.

Those who are symptomatic or have not received their second dose of vaccine must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine.

For asymptomatic patients who have got two doses of vaccine but yet a booster shot, the quarantine is seven days, he said, adding that this number goes down to five days if the asymptomatic patients have already received their booster shot.

Source: VNA