Philippines detects 14 Omicron BA.2.12.1 cases in NCR, Palawan

The Philippines has detected its first cases of the more transmissible Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1, with two cases identified in Metro Manila and twelve cases in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

In Metro Manila, both individuals are local residents who have received booster shots and experienced mild symptoms; they have since recovered after completing home isolation.

The Palawan cases involve a cluster of infections from a mini cruise line where 14 tourists and one local individual tested positive for COVID-19 in late April. All were asymptomatic and have now recovered, with 28 close contacts traced and tested negative.