DOH: 95 additional BA.5 Omicron subvariant detected in PH
Image of the coronavirus / INQUIRER.net Stock Photo
MANILA, Philippines — Ninety-five additional BA.5 Omicron sub-variant cases were reported in the country, bringing the total caseload to 3,107, the Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge, Maria Rosario Vergeire, announced in a press briefing on Friday.
Of the 95 BA.5 cases, 67 are from Davao Region, 25 are from Soccsksargen, and one case each was reported in Caraga Region, Northern Mindanao and Metro Manila.
Of the 95, DOH classified 83 patients as recovered, five are undergoing isolation, and seven others are awaiting verification of their condition.
Meanwhile, the DOH also recorded seven new cases of the BA.4 sub-variant, to bring its total tally to 104; and two additional BA.2.12.1 cases, bringing its total count to 174.
The seven BA.4 patients, as well as the two BA.2.12.1 carriers, have since recovered.
The DOH earlier said there is already local transmission of the BA.2.12.1. and BA.5 sub-variants in the country.
Health experts say these Omicron sub-variants are highly transmissible and can evade vaccine protection.
RELATED STORIES:
Low vaccination, booster turnout may lead to over 19,000 daily COVID cases by August
DOH: ‘Wall of immunity’ vs COVID-19 waning, cases may peak by end-July
JPV/abc
For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.
