DOH: 3 close contacts of BA.4 case asymptomatic, fully vaccinated

The Department of Health (DOH) reported that three close contacts of the first Omicron BA.4 subvariant case in the Philippines are asymptomatic and fully vaccinated.

The BA.4 case, an unvaccinated returning overseas Filipino from Qatar with travel history to Brazil and South Africa, completed his 14-day isolation before interacting with the contacts.

DOH Epidemiology Bureau officer-in-charge Dr. Alethea de Guzman stated that the testing status of each contact is being verified.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control considers BA.4 a variant of concern due to its high transmissibility and ability to evade immune protection.