HEADS UP: What You Need to Know About the Omicron Variant (Nov. 29)

COVID NEWS

• What is the Omicron COVID-19 variant that has been described by the World Health Organization as a “variant of concern”?
• Several European nations have announced their first cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. Down under, Australia also recorded its first two cases. 
• Governments must act swiftly and decisively to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant. How should they do it?
• Several countries have reimposed travel restrictions over the threat of the Omicron variant, including the Philippines and Israel.

2022 ELECTIONS

• Is the real Bongbong Marcos dead? A 2022 presidential aspirant wants the COC of the late dictator’s son cancelled, reviving an urban legend that the Marcos Jr. we see now is an impostor.
• Marcos Jr. and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio have teamed up with the Arroyo and Estrada families for the 2022 elections.
• Student leaders from various Philippine universities are opposing the Bongbong-Sara tandem, saying this could lead to the country slipping back under dictatorial rule.
• Leaders of the Catholic Church in the Philippines have released a prayer for a peaceful, transparent, and credible 2022 elections.

LIKE KIT

• Have you been experiencing sleep paralysis? Here’s how you can wake up from it.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• National vaccination days are happening from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. Here’s your guide.
• In line with the national vaccination days, these Robinsons Malls are offering COVID-19 jabs.
• Travelers who don't require a visa to enter the Philippines can visit the country starting Dec. 1 as long as they are fully vaccinated. Here are the rules.

NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Nearly half of all Filipino families still consider themselves as poor, a September 2021 SWS survey showed.
• For the second time, the annual procession of the Black Nazarene in Manila next year is cancelled, the Quiapo church said.
• Just before the country closed its borders to foreign nationals, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez arrived in Israel to compete for the 70th Miss Universe pageant.
• The Senate security chief recommended the transfer of two Pharmally officials to a regular jail cell due to their continued non-cooperation in the chamber’s probe.