DOH confirms local Omicron BA.2.12.1 transmission

The Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday that the Omicron BA.2.12.1 subvariant is now transmitting locally in the Philippines.

Three new cases were detected in Iloilo City, Western Visayas Region; one case is a returning overseas Filipino from the US and two are local residents.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that while linkages between cases can still be traced, this does not yet constitute community transmission.

Local government units are strengthening border controls and implementing PDITR to prevent further spread.