Baguio ups vacs; Omicron variant surges in China

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY -- Residents need not fear or panic on hearing about the spread through travelers, of a new Covid-19 sub-variant dubbed as XBB which is causing a surge in China.
    The assurance was from Mayor Benjamin Magalong in an interview Monday saying Baguio residents are vaccinated, with first and second boosters, follow health protocols; handwashing, physical distancing and masking up properly, against the impending spread of Covid subvariants.  
    The mayor said in an earlier meeting with Dept. of Health officer in charge Ma. Rosario Vergeire, he asked the threat or impact of said Covid-19 subvariant in the country.
    Vergeire said the Covid virus variant, has been monitored to be in the country since July, Magalong said.
    A surge was earlier pegged third week of January but analytics from a third party data experts forecast it for the second week instead.
    The increase is not expected to be as steep as the Delta or Omicron experience, but just an upward trend and a tapering off.    
    “Data from experts provide us unbiased and unmanipulated forecast,” the mayor said.
    We have also always been transparent on Covid-19 information and that infections/re-infections, deaths, recoveries, vaccination, booster shots have always been reported properly, he added. 
    Ramped up vaccination and booster shots, with daily schedules in the 16 district health centers and announced big venues areas are always available, he added. Schedules for vaccine shots are available for 5 years old; 6 to 11 y/o; 12-17 y/o; 18 and above and first and second booster shots, as seen in the Baguio City Health Services Office Facebook account.