852 new Omicron COVID-19 cases recorded —DOH

More than 800 new COVID-19 Delta variant and Omicron subvariant cases have been detected based on the latest sequencing results, according to the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday.

In a forum report, the DOH said that 839 cases of BA.5 Omicron subvariant have been detected based on the latest sequencing results from September 9 to 12.

Eleven cases of the Omicron BA.4 subvariant were detected: seven in Soccsksargen, two in Bicol, and one each from Calabarzon and the NCR.

Meanwhile, one patient tested positive for Omicron BA.2.75 in NCR, while one returning overseas Filipino yielded positive results for BA.2.12.1.

The DOH added that two cases of the Delta variant were detected: one in Calabarzon and the other in Metro Manila.

The DOH also reported 49 new cases of “other” sublineages, while 75 cases were of “no assigned lineage.”

The BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants were added to the World Health Organization's monitoring list in March and designated as variants of concern by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

Meanwhile, infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante earlier said that BA.2.75 may be more transmissible than other subvariants and may have the capability to evade current COVID-19 vaccines. — BM, GMA News