Expert Infectious Disease Advice on New Covid-19 Subvariant and Masking Precautions

Infectious disease experts have recently addressed concerns regarding a new spike in Covid-19 cases in the Philippines due to the detection of the XBB.1.16 subvariant. Despite the increase in Covid positivity rates, experts such as Octa Research senior fellow Dr. Guido David and Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital have advised the public to continue wearing masks as a preventive measure against new subvariants. It is critical to protect elderly individuals and persons with comorbidities and immune conditions as they are highly vulnerable to Covid. Experts also recommend getting booster shots and washing hands regularly as preventative measures. Additionally, despite the rising cases, hospital utilization rates have remained low and manageable. Hence, infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvaña states that there is minimal likelihood of reimposing restrictions in the country. In the same event, experts also addressed concerns about childhood immunization and put forth recommendations for multidimensional approaches to address decreasing vaccine acceptance.