Philippines detects 56 additional cases of Omicron subvariants

The Philippines detected 56 additional cases of Omicron subvariants in the country, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and the University of the Philippines - Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) Main and Visayas sequenced at least 64 samples from February 13 to 17.

Of the 64 samples, the DOH said 28 were classified as BA.2.3.20, while 16 were XBB variant.

The Health department said at least two cases each of BQ.1 and XBC were detected, while eight cases of other Omicron sublineages were recorded.

The DOH said all 28 BA.2.3.20 cases were classified as Regions 1, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 12, and National Capital Region (NCR).

Meanwhile, of the 16 new XBB cases, one was a returning overseas Filipino (ROF) and 15 were local cases from Regions 3, 4A, 6, 12, Caraga, and NCR.

The Health department said two additional BQ.1 cases were from Region 6 and NCR, while the two recently detected XBC cases were from Region 11.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently added XBF, XBB.1.5, and CH.1.1 to the list of “Omicron subvariants under monitoring.” -- BAP, GMA Integrated News