Experts are urging individuals in the vulnerable population including the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with comorbidities, to continue wearing face maskas the Philippines detects cases of the COVID-19 Omicron subvariant JN.1. Despite the initial assessment that JN.1 causes a “mild type” of coronavirus and does not lead to more severe disease, health authorities emphasize the importance of additional protection.
Dr. Rontgene Solante, chief of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit in San Lazaro Hospital, reassured the public that there is no need to panic, stating, “In terms of the concern, yes, we have to monitor the cases, but it’s (JN.1) not expected to form a more severe form of COVID-19.” Dr. Solante highlighted that continuous monitoring of cases is necessary.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported 18 cases of the JN.1 subvariant, all of whom have already recovered. Meanwhile, CNN International noted that JN.1 is the predominant cause of COVID-19 infections in the United States, constituting 44.2% of all cases.
While vaccines remain effective against severe outcomes of COVID-19, Dr. Solante emphasized the uncertainty regarding their efficacy against the Omicron subvariant. Therefore, he stressed the importance of the vulnerable population wearing face masks in public spaces for added protection.
Health expert Dr. Tony Leachon supports the idea of making face masks mandatory, particularly as the Philippines witnessed a 50% increase in COVID-19 cases from December 12 to 18, with the Department of Health (DOH) recording 2,725 new cases during that period.
Health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of preventive measures, including vaccination, face mask-wearing, and maintaining proper hygiene practices to curb the spread of COVID-19, especially among the vulnerable segments of the population.
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Contributing Editor
AMA ACLC San Pablo
