PHAPI: PH may see rise in COVID-19 cases due to BF.7

The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) president warned that new Omicron subvariant BF.7 and Christmas gatherings could lead to an increase in COVID-19 cases.

On Friday, the Department of Health confirmed four cases of BF.7 in the country, a sublineage of BA.5 which is being monitored by the WHO due to its potential for higher transmissibility.

The DOH stated that current evidence does not suggest any difference in disease severity between BF.7 and the original Omicron variant, but emphasized the importance of wearing masks, isolating when sick, getting vaccinated, and ensuring good airflow.