By Gabriela Baron
The Department of Health (DOH) said it is too early to say if there is already a local transmission of the COVID-19 Omicron BA.2.12.1 sub-variant in the country.
“It’s too early for us to say that there is local transmission. Kailangan po natin ng enough evidence para po maipakita natin at ma-analyze natin kung talagang mayroon na tayong local transmission,” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during the May 14 Laging Handa public briefing.
The DOH said on Friday, May 13, that it detected 14 cases of Omicron BA.2.12.1, with two in Metro Manila and 12 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Vergeire said the two cases are related and with no history of travel.
“Atin pong inaalam talaga ngayon kung ano po talaga ang pinagmula. Although they had this travel kung saan doon po sila nagpabakuna, doon sa kanilang probinsiya at tapos bumalik po sila dito sa [National Capital Region],” Vergeire added.
“So atin pong tina-track ang kanilang mga napuntahan… we’re trying to do our surveillance para malaman natin ang source of infection,” she continued.
Admitting that the sub-variant is more transmissible, Vergeire urged the public to get their COVID-19 booster shot if they are already eligible to get adequate protection against the virus. – ngs
