The Philippine health ministry has confirmed the local spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant around Manila, as infections hit a record high for a third straight day.
“We are seeing community transmission of the Omicron variant in the capital region,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told a public briefing.
The community transmission of the Omicron variant is characterised by a steep rise in cases, Vergeire said, adding that infections may peak from the end of this month to mid-February.
The ministry reported 39,004 new Covid-19 infections, while active cases also hit a record, at 280,813, Reuters reported.
