BA.5 subvariant cases in PH rise to 43
The Department of Health (DOH) detected 32 more cases of the highly transmissible Omicron subvariant BA.5, bringing the total case to 43.
According to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, said that out of 32 new cases, 21 were from Region 6 (Western Visayas), four each from Region 4A (Calabarzon) and National Capital Region (NCR), and three from Region 3 (Central Luzon).
She added that 30 of them were fully vaccinated, one partially vaccinated, while the vaccination status of the other case is still being verified.
Despite the increase in the case detection, Vergeire said it cannot be ruled yet that there is already a community transmission of this subvariant, as well as the BA.2.12.1 in which the country already had 42 cases.
“We need scientific evidence for us to say there is community transmission happening…. we need further review of all of these cases so that we can be able to determine what type of transmission already is happening,” Vergeire concluded.
The DOH official added that instead of focusing on terminologies and classifications, the public should be more aware and vigilant on how they are going to protect themselves and their families from contracting the virus.
She noted the importance of strict compliance to the minimum public health protocols and the immediate isolation should symptoms of COVID-19 manifest.
