The Philippines has detected its first two cases of COVID-19 Omicron BA.5 subvariant, the Department of Health (DOH) announced on Friday.
In a media briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the two new cases were individuals from Central Luzon who had no travel history except to their poll precincts in Metro Manila.
Both cases were also fully vaccinated with booster shots against COVID-19.
According to Vergeire, the pair immediately isolated after experiencing coughs and colds, and are now asymptomatic and tagged as recovered.
She added that the patients had 2 close contacts, who were members of their household and continue to isolate after one of them tested positive for the virus.
The country has also detected cases for Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.2.12.1.
