BRACING FOR OMICRON. Philippine Army (PA) officials hold a virtual meeting on the preparations to deal with a possible surge in cases due to the Omicron variant of Covid-19, on Tuesday (Dec. 7, 2021). The PA is implementing a "no vaccination, no entry" rule in its headquarters. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army) MANILA - All possible efforts will be undertaken to ensure that the Philippine Army (PA) headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig is prepared for the threat posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Omicron variant. "The PA's main headquarters in Taguig City reiterated strict adherence to health protocols in a virtual meeting today, December 7, in light of the threat posed by the Covid-19 caused by the new coronavirus Omicron variant," Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Tuesday night. Army Operations Center Chief, Maj. Christian Agonos, led the virtual meeting that was attended by infectious disease control officers from PA headquarter offices and units. During the meeting, the Office of the Army Chief Surgeon reiterated strict adherence to minimum health standards, continued vaccination efforts, and preparation of medical facilities and personnel to manage a possible surge. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ritchiemel Caballes, acting Commander of the 191st Military Police Battalion of the Installation Management Command, reiterated the "no vaccination, no entry" rule at Fort Bonifacio and the continuing strict implementation of minimum health protocols within the camp. From a weekly peak of 196 new confirmed cases from August 9 to 15 this year, the Army General Hospital recorded just four new confirmed cases from November 30 to December 6. Reports said the Omicron variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant, which caused a surge in infections in the country in August. However, no deaths have so far been reported due to the new variant, which was first reported by South African scientists in late November. (PNA) }