PH detects 1,000 new cases of Omicron BA.5 subvariant

MANILA – The country has detected 1,011 more cases of the Omicron BA.5 subvariant of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Department of Health (DOH) reported Tuesday.

In a Viber message to reporters, the DOH said at least one person from all regions except Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has tested positive for the BA.5 subvariant.

About 336 are from Western Visayas, 82 from the National Capital Region (NCR), 79 from Central Luzon, 75 from Calabarzon, 72 from Ilocos Region, 70 from Bicol Region, 67 from Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), 48 from Soccksargen, 44 from Mimaropa, 34 from Northern Mindanao, 27 from Caraga, 26 from Central Visayas, 25 from Cagayan Valley, 17 from Davao Region, five from Zamboanga Peninsula, one from Eastern Visayas, and three returning overseas Filipinos.

Of the tally, 690 are fully vaccinated, 12 are partially vaccinated, three are unvaccinated, while the vaccination status of the remaining 306 individuals is still being verified. Their exposures and travel histories are also being verified.

About 907 individuals are now tagged as recovered, 53 are still undergoing isolation, two have died, and the outcomes of the remaining 49 are still being verified.

There were also 19 additional BA.4 cases -- 12 from Soccsksargen, three each from Bicol Region and Western Visayas, and one from CAR.

Thirteen individuals are fully vaccinated, one is partially vaccinated, while the vaccination status of the remaining five individuals is still being verified.

Five individuals are now tagged as recovered, three are still undergoing isolation, and one has died.

The DOH is still verifying their exposures and travel histories.

All the reported cases are based on the latest genome sequencing results from August 12 to 15. (PNA)