DOH reports 56 new Omicron subvariant cases

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported 56 new cases of Omicron subvariants in the Philippines.

Samples sequenced by the Southern Philippines Medical Center and University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center from February 13 to 17 showed that 28 cases were BA.2.3.20, 16 were XBB, two each for BQ.1 and XBC, and eight other Omicron sublineages.

All 28 BA.2.3.20 cases were local cases from various regions including Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Soccsksargen, and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Of the XBB cases, one was a returning overseas Filipino while 15 were local cases from Regions 3, 4A, 6, 12, Caraga, and NCR.