DOH confirms the local transmission of the COVID-19 subvariant BA.2.12.1

Medical workers in hazmat suits walk outside the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital. Photo Source: Rappler/Reuters

As stated by Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, the Department of Health found a high transmittable COVID Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1 last Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

Experts said that Omicron is a subtype of the virus that creates COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2.

The instances are not related to any cases from outside the country, yet they are visible on the links of the discovered agents. There is also currently no communal transmission, said Vergeire.

Now, there are 17 BA.2.12.1 cases in the country. There are 16 local cases: two (2) in the National Capital Region, twelve (12) in Puerto Princesa, and two (2) in Western Visayas.

The ROF and one of the local cases have been fully vaccinated. The other local case's vaccination status is still being evaluated.