No Omicron sub-variant in Region 1 – DOH
NO Omicron sub-variants have been detected yet in the Ilocos Region, the Department of Health – Center for Health Development Region 1 (DOH-CHD 1) said.
Dr. Rheuel Bobis, COVID-19 focal person of the CHD, said based on their coordination with the Philippine Genome Center, that conducts genetic sequencing for patient specimens sent there, has not resulted in detection of the Omicron sub-variants most notably of the BA.2.12, BA.4 and BA.5.
It may be recalled that on April 27, the DOH confirmed the presence of the BA.2.12 sub-variant in a foreigner who stayed in Baguio City.
However, while no sub-variant has been detected yet, Bobis said the CHD is continuously preparing for the worst-case scenario.
“Kahit nasa lowest level ang border monitoring, tinitiyak po natin at itinatawid sa mga LGU na may symptoms monitoring pa rin dapat ang mga papasok ng mga border”, said Bobis.
Latest sub-variants, BA.4 and BA.5, have resulted in lower antibody count for patients who have natural immunity, those, who caught and had recovered from COVID-19, according to a recent study conducted in South Africa.
The said sub-variants, however, can be overwhelmed by vaccination.
Bobis urged the public to continue receiving jabs, as the second booster doses have been rolled out. (Ahikam Pasion)
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