Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 now in NCR, Puerto Princesa

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MANILA, Philippines — A subvariant of the highly transmissible COVID-19 Omicron variant, identified as BA.2.12.1, has been detected in the National Capital Region and in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

During Friday’s briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire made the announcement, saying that two fully-vaccinated and boosted individuals in Metro Manila got the subvariant.

But since they were vaccinated, they only experienced mild symptoms.

“Nakapag-detect na po tayo ng kaso ng BA 2.12.1 sa NCR at sa Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Unang naitala ang BA 2.12.1 sa bansa sa dalawang indibidwal sa NCR, sila ay nakapagpa-booster na kaya naman mild ang kanilang sintomas noong tinamaan sila ng virus,” Vergeire said.

“They have completed home isolation and are now tagged as asymptomatic and recovered.  Meron po silang 39 close contacts na asymptomatic. Patuloy na inaalam ang vaccination status at kung sila ay natest na or nakatapos na ng quarantine period,” she added.

Aside from them, DOH is also looking at the possible infection of foreign nationals on a cruise ship, after they visited Tubbataha Reef in Palawan.

“Sa kabilang banda may isang mini cruise line na may sakay na labinwalong Filipino crew members ang dumaong sa Puerto Princesa City noong April 22.  Kinabukasan, April 23, 25 na foreign national tourists naman ang sumakay din sa nasabing cruise para magdiving sa Tubbataha Reef,” Vergeire said.

“Tatlong araw matapos silang maka-alis, isang foreign national ang nakaranas ng nasal congestion ang nagpa-antigen at lumabas na positive.  Ang insidenteng ito ay kaagad naireport at inabisuhan ang cruise ship na bumalik sa Puerto Princesa port for immediate management,” she added.

Vergeire assured though that close contacts of the foreign nationals have been identified.

“Na-identify din kaagad ang close contacts ng nasabing foreign nationals who also tested positive after taking the antigen test,” she noted.

As COVID-19 outbreaks occur around the world due to the Omicron variant, health authorities have warned that the Philippines may be next given the sharp rise in activities and gatherings brought by the election season.

Last April, vaccine czar, and Secretary Carlito Galvez said that the country may see an increase in cases just like what happened to South Africa.

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