DOH: 95 additional BA.5 Omicron subvariant detected in PH

There are additional 95 cases of BA.5 Omicron sub-variant reported in the country, bringing its total caseload to 3,107, Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire announced in a press briefing on Friday.

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
Read more...