It should provide the population protection that we need everywhere," the microbiologist said. Austriaco's declaration drew a sharp retort from health undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, who cautioned against underestimating Omicron's ability to wreak havoc. Viral experts have to rely on mathematical modeling and limited studies in unlocking the variant's other secrets. The hospitalization rate is up, and so is the positivity rate. That's when people start to accept that "this is what viruses do; we just need to get on with our lives."

Source: Manila Times January 11, 2022 03:01 UTC