MANILA - A health official on Monday said there is still no evidence showing that the newly identified coronavirus variant Omicron is more likely to infect the younger population or cause severe symptoms. Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau officer-in-charge Director Alethea de Guzman said further studies are needed to better understand Omicron's transmissibility, infectivity and effect on vaccine efficacy. "Base sa pag-aaral, hindi natin makikita kung mas apektado nito ang isang age group at kung mas magiging severe case o mas magiging mataas ang tiyansa ng pagkamatay sa mga kaso na may (Based on studies, we cannot see yet if the variant affects a certain age group or if it causes severe symptoms or if it causes higher chances of death) Omicron variant," de Guzman said in an online briefing. Early news reports said the Omicron variant infected individuals below 40 years old and its symptoms are mild fatigue, headaches, and slight fever compared to that of the De