DOH Detects Omicron Variant of Concern in Philippines

Filipinos authorities have detected a case of the Omicron BA.4 variant that's believed to spread faster, the Department of Health said Saturday.

Omicron BA.4 is classified as a variant of concern by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control because of its faster transmission due to its ability to evade immune protection that has waned over time, the DOH said.

The variant case is a Filipino who flew in from the Middle East on May 4. The person is asymptomatic.

Most of the country is under Alert Level 1, the lowest form of restrictions until the end of May.