DOH: Additional cases of BA.5 and BA.2.12.1 Omicron subvariants detected

Six new cases of Omicron subvariant BA.5 as well as 10 more cases of subvariant BA.2.12.1 were detected in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) announced on Wednesday, June 15.

Of the new subvariant BA.5 cases, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that two were found in Metro Manila, and one case each from Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and an individual whose address is still being verified.

Vergeire said that four of them were fully-vaccinated, while the vaccination status of the other cases are still being verified by the DOH.

"At the moment, exposure of individuals is still unknown and travel histories are being verified," she said

Five of them were already tagged as recovered, while one is still undergoing home isolation, said Vergeire.

Meanwhile, of the 10 new BA.2.12.1 cases, four were from Metro Manila. Two cases were found in Calabarzon, and one case each were logged in Cagayan Valley, Bicol, and Western Visayas. The other case was a returning overseas Filipino.

"Three individuals are fully vaccinated while the vaccination status of the rest are still being verified," said Vergeire, adding that the DOH is also currently checking their respective travel history.

Vergeire said that eight of them have already recovered from Covid-19, while one case remains active. The DOH is still verifying the outcome of the other patient.