DOH confirms 618 new Omicron cases, BA.2 sublineage dominant

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 618 new Omicron variant cases in the Philippines, bringing the total confirmed Omicron cases to 1,153.

Of the newly identified Omicron cases, 13 were active, two have died, 560 recovered, and 43 were still being verified.

The majority of these new cases are composed of the BA.2 sublineage, also known as "stealth Omicron."

Both the original Omicron lineage (B.1.1.529) and its sublineages BA.1 and BA.2 have been detected in the country, with BA.2 constituting the majority of Omicron cases.

The DOH stated that there is no significant difference observed between BA.1 and BA.2 in terms of transmissibility or severity of disease.

While the DOH will continue to investigate the prevalence of BA.2 over BA.1, its detection does not currently necessitate a change in the COVID-19 response.

Of the 618 newly identified Omicron cases, 497 were local transmissions, mostly from Metro Manila, and 121 were returning overseas Filipinos.

The Western Visayas region has reported 42 Omicron cases, with 30 local cases and 12 from returning OFWs.