Philippines detects first 2 cases of Omicron coronavirus variant

December 15, 2021 - 2:25 PM
2067
Filipinos use their smartphones while queueing for free vaccination against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at San Andres Sports Complex in Manila, Philippines, July 21, 2021. (Reuters/Eloisa Lopez/File Photo)

MANILA — The Philippines has detected two imported cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant of concern, its first reported cases, the Department of Health said on Wednesday.

The two Omicron variant cases, detected from 48 samples sequenced on Dec. 14, were currently isolated in a quarantine facility, it said in a statement. —Reporting by Enrico Dela Cruz; Editing by Martin Petty