WHO says measures used against Delta variant should work for Omicron; Philippines remain calm about new Covid-19 virus

worker repairs a water fountain at the Quezon Memorial Circle park in Quezon city, Philippines on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. Restrictions have eased due to the decline in COovid-19 cases as the government keeps a close watch for the new Omicron virus variant. - AP

MANILA, Dec 5 (AP): Measures used to counter the delta variant should remain the foundation for fighting the coronavirus pandemic, even in the face of the new Omicron version of the virus, World Health Organisation (WHO) officials said, while acknowledging that the travel restrictions imposed by some countries may buy time.

While about three dozen countries worldwide have reported omicron infections, including India on Thursday, the numbers so far are small outside of South Africa, which is facing a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases and where the new variant may be becoming dominant.