Philippines confirms community transmission of Omicron, cases hit record; schools in Manila ordered to close online classes

A woman receives a booster shot of the Moderna coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine, at a drive-through vaccination site, in Manila, Philippines, January 14, 2022. - Reuters

MANILA, Jan 15 (Reuters/AFP): The Philippine health ministry confirmed the local spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant around Manila on Saturday, as infections hit a record high for a third straight day.

"We are seeing community transmission of the Omicron variant in the capital region," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told a public briefing.