22,958 COVID Infections Logged as More Omicron Cases Detected

The Philippines on Wednesday tallied 22,958 new COVID-19 infections as authorities detect more cases of the omicron variant.

The day's tally brought active cases to 270,728, with a total of 36,611 new recoveries and 82 new deaths reported.

Overall, a total of 3,293,625 COVID-19 cases have been reported since the pandemic began in March 2020, of which 2,969,853 have recovered and 53,044 died.

According to the Department of Health, there have been 535 cases of the omicron variant detected in the country. Of that number, three remain active, two have died, and 467 cases have been tagged as recovered. There are 20 cases whose outcomes are still being verified.

Metro Manila is under Alert Level 3 until Jan. 31 with a 'no vaccination, no ride' policy in effect to encourage inoculations and arrest the spread of COVID-19 driven by the hyper contagious omicron variant.

Passengers must present physical or digital copies of their vaccine cards, vaccination certificates from the DOH, or any government-prescribed document along with a valid government-issued ID with picture and address to public transport operators.

On Tuesday, the Department of Labor and Employment said workers will be exempted from the policy. 

"Exempted po ang workers natin because they are rendering essential services. Pag hininto mo ang mga 'yan paano gagalaw ang ating mga negosyo?" Labor Sec. Silvestre Bello told reporters.

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