Manila Bulletin
DOH found BF.7, BA.5.2 subvariants in sequenced samples of 4 Filipino travelers from China
Four unvaccinated Filipino travelers returning from China have tested positive for COVID-19 Omicron subvariants BF.7 and BA.5.2, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Dr. Alethea De Guzman of the DOH epidemiology bureau confirmed that three travelers were infected with the BF.7 subvariant, while one had the BA.5.2 subvariant.
De Guzman clarified that these subvariants are not new and have been previously detected.
The World Health Organization has identified these two Omicron subvariants as the drivers of the current surge in COVID-19 cases in China.
The remaining four Filipino travelers who also tested positive for COVID-19 have yet to have their specific Omicron subvariant determined.
Samples from other COVID-positive Filipino travelers did not yield a determined lineage due to degradation of specimen quality during transport.
The DOH has identified 89 close contacts of the eight Filipino travelers who tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival from China.
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The Philippines has detected 128 additional cases of Omicron subvariants.
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The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) has identified 89 close contacts of 8 Filipinos who recently arrived from China and tested positive for COVID-19.
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Eight Filipino travelers who arrived from China between December 27, 2022, and January 2, 2023, and tested positive for COVID-19 have successfully completed their isolation period.
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