City prepares isolation units amid Omicron threat

City Health Services Office head Dr. Rowena Galpo said the Summer Capital’s contingency plan for the coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) Omicron variant is similar to that implemented against the Delta variant.

“We have learned a lot from our experience with the Delta variant that is why we have made some adjustments with the current contingency plan, “she said.

Galpo added, “We are more prepared now for the Omicron variant which is reportedly more infectious but less severe than Delta according to the experience of other countries.”  

This means less hospitalizations and deaths due to Omicron but may have more asymptomatic to mild cases, she stressed.     

As of January 4, she said the Summer Capital has no confirmed Omicron variant case but has been experiencing a surge in covid-19 infections  the past few days.     

Galpo said isolation facilities opened during the height of the Delta surge will also be those used in preparation for the anticipated Omicron infections including the mobilization of human resource, medicines and equipment.

This was echoed by City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Antonette Anaban in her update report on the city’s contingency plan for the Covid-19 Omicron variant during the management committee meeting of local officials, Jan. 4, at Baguio Convention Center. – Gaby B. Keith