THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday allayed fears about the newest variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), saying it has not shown traces of causing severe illness.
In a radio interview, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said they have yet to see any scientific evidence that will show the XEC variant can cause severe symptoms of COVID-19.
“Based on our data, we have yet to see reports abroad that it can cause severe cases. We can take that as assurance that we shouldn’t be alarmed over it,” said Domingo.
He said the health department sees it as being no different than the other COVID-19 variants and lineages that have emerged since the end of the pandemic.
“We must keep in mind that there will always be a new variant that will come out,” said Domingo.
Earlier, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expressed concern over the rise of a new COVID-19 variant called XEC, which has been spotted around the world, including the United States.
Given the minimal threat of the new COVID-19 variant, Domingo said there is no need to reimpose the masking mandate in the country.
“We don’t need the mandatory masking. We are no longer having that conversation,” said the health official.
For those voluntarily wearing face masks, Domingo said what is more important is to wear them properly with the nose and mouth covered.
