The Philippines on Wednesday logged 261 new COVID-19 cases as authorities shortened the waiting time for booster shots to just 3 months from the earlier 6 months.
This brought total active cases to 9,238. The were also 195 new recoveries and 122 new deaths based on data from the Department of Health.
Since the pandemic started, the Philippines has reported a total of 2,837,784 COVID-19 cases of which 2,777,630 recovered and 50,916 died.
A total of 4 cases were removed from the total case count, and moved to the recoveries tally.
Another 192 cases tested negative and were removed from the total case count. Of these, 189 are recoviers.
There were also 113 previously tagged as recoveries reclassified as deaths after final validation.
Starting Wednesday, Health Sec. Franciscio Duque III said individuals who have completed their two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series can get their booster shot three months after the second dose while those who were jabbed with single-dose vaccines can get their booster shot at least two months after.
The new policy was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in light of the new Omicron variant, of which at least three imported cases have been confirmed by the Philippines.
Booster doses however were not yet recommended for ages 12-17, the Department of Health said.
To keep safe during Christmas, Filipinos are encouraged to skip the buffet and minimize gatherings. Unvaccinated kids are also urged to meet their loved ones virtually to reduce the risk of infection.
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