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First case of Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 recovers – DOH

by Carl Santos

PUBLISHED ON April 26, 2023

Recently updated on April 27, 2023 02:38 pm

The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Wednesday, April 26, that the first case of Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 in the country has already recovered.

“The detected XBB.1.16 case in Iloilo province was asymptomatic and has already recovered,” the DOH said in a message to reporters.

According to the DOH, the Arcturus variant, or XBB.1.16, is a sublineage of Omicron, “which has the ability to evade immunity and is said to be more transmissible.”

“Based on the latest risk assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO) last April 17, 2023, no changes in severity have been reported in countries where XBB.1.16 is reported to be circulating,” it said.

“There may have been slight increases in bed occupancy in India and Indonesia, but levels are still much lower compared to the effects of the previous variants. Overall, risk assessment is said to be low.”

The Philippines recorded 315 new COVID-19 cases even as the number of active infections dropped to 4,255, DOH data showed on Tuesday, April 25.

“The DOH would like to remind the public to continuously adhere to our layers of protection, such as wearing masks, isolating when sick, and ensuring good airflow, especially when mobile in public places,” it said.

“Most importantly, the public is advised to get vaccinated and boosted, as vaccination remains the most effective and best long-term protection against the COVID-19 virus.”