DOH identifies 3 close contacts of PH first BA.4 Omicron case

The Department of Health (DOH) has identified three close contacts of the Philippines' first case of the Omicron subvariant BA.4.

The identified close contacts are household members of the BA.4 case, who are asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, with their testing status currently under verification.

The initial BA.4 case was an unvaccinated returning overseas Filipino from Qatar with a travel history to South Africa, who had already completed their isolation before contact with the three individuals.

While the BA.4 subvariant is noted for higher transmissibility and potential immune evasion, the DOH has stated there is no current data indicating it causes more severe symptoms.

Additionally, the DOH reported that all 17 cases of the BA.2.12.1 subvariant in the country have completed their isolation periods.