DOH slams circulating messages on Omicron XBB variant
THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) warned the public to ignore circulating messages on social media and messaging apps peddling false information about the Omicron XBB variant.
“The Department of Health (DOH) warns against messages linking DOH Department Memorandum No. 2022-0578 to disseminate inaccurate information on Omicron XBB Subvariant symptoms,” the statement said.
It said the document was meant to heighten surveillance activities in the face of rising COVID-19 cases overseas.
In general, COVID-19 exhibits flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache, body pain, diarrhea, among others.
Also, the department advised the public to continue observing proper health sanitation, masking, distancing, and good ventilation.
Moreover, it said that the public to source only information from legitimate sources and platforms through the links and social media like for Facebook DOH Davao, DOH Healthy Pilipinas, for website on healthypilipinas.ph, and @DOHgovph for Twitter.
Meanwhile, as of April 24, the Regional Situation Update on COVID-19 in Davao Region shows that the healthcare utilization shows regional hospital capacity: 26.9% non-ICU bed use and 37% ICU bed use.
Only 35 admissions out of 365 COVID-19 admissions are severe and critical. Out of the 35, only 25 (6.85% of the total admissions) are confirmed cases, while ten are suspects.
Meanwhile, 3,353,416 individuals, or 88.3% of the target population in the Davao Region, are fully vaccinated as of March 10, 2023.
The DOH XI recorded 207 new cases in the past week, April 17-23, 2023. This is lower by 30.77% compared to the cases reported last April 10-16, 2023. Seven actual death cases were recorded in the past seven days, and ten are newly verified deaths recorded in the database.
Further, the public is reminded to continue practicing minimum public health standards: wear the best-fitted mask, isolate when sick, double up protection with vaccination and boosters, and ensure good airflow.
The DOH said that COVID-19 vaccination efforts are continuing throughout the region.
