Contrary to an assertion earlier made by a microbiologist from the OCTA Research Group, government consultant Dr. Edsel Salvana warned that the Omicron variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is not mild, and the public should not be complacent about what the hazards it could pose.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (MEID) has shortened the period of quarantine for fully vaccinated health workers, who may be stricken with COVID-19.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chair Prospero De Vera were added to the growing list of top government officials testing positive for the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) pressed charges against a Filipina returning from the United States, who dodged hotel quarantine by heading straight to her condominium after arriving in the country.

President Duterte also signed the laws that will grant new franchises to water service providers Manila Water and Maynilad, as well as the new measure that will open the retail sector to more foreign investors.

These are among the top stories this Saturday morning, Jan. 8, 2022.


NEVER TOO YOUNG – A father struggles to control his son, who’s resisting efforts by medical personnel in getting a swab sample from him, at a testing site in Barangay Mabini, J. P. Rizal, Mandaluyong City on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. (Noel Pabalate)
  1. PH COVID-19 Update
PH reports over 21K new COVID-19 cases
IATF allows shortened period of quarantine for fully vaccinated health workers
‘Omicron is not mild’: Expert urges public not to be complacent amid spike of cases
332 participants of PH ‘mix and match’ trial get first dose of Sinovac vaccine
DOH expects arrival of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for kids aged 5-11 by end of January or early February
Faberco assures access to COVID-19 drug Molnupiravir

Quarantine jumper

PNP presses charges vs. another 'quarantine skipper'

More infections/exposure

Agri chief tests positive for COVID-19
CHED Chairman De Vera tests positive for COVID-19
  • From the Palace
Duterte signs into law new franchises for Maynilad, Manila Water
Duterte signs law that would further open up PH retail sector to foreign investors
  • Election 2022
Dr. Padilla urges DOH to expand teleconsultation services on pandemic
  • Anti-child marriage law
Women's group welcomes law prohibiting child marriage in PH
  • New lotto millionaires
Four bettors win P42.9-M Lotto 6/42 jackpot prize
  • Typhoon Odette
DAR brings relief goods, generators to 'Odette'-hit personnel in Negros Occidental
DA sets P2.9-B assistance for 'Odette'-hit farmers, fishers
  • Judicial Corner
Reduced number of on-site court workers in 14 areas also placed under COVID-19 Alert Level 3
NBI starts probing CCTV footages of La Union beach resort where Bree Jonson died Sept. 18
  • Legislative Corner
Sotto orders Senate lockdown as 46 employees test positive for COVID-19
Go stresses importance of vaccines as COVID-19 cases rise
Bayan Muna presses simultaneous free mass testing, vaccination drive
  • Science Corner
PH’s outstanding R&D, S&T institutes recognized

Source: Manila Bulletin (https://mb.com.ph/2022/01/08/mb-daily-news-update-621/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mb-daily-news-update-621)