THE new Omicron subvariant called BA.2.75 is deemed highly transmissible and can also evade current vaccines against COVID-19.
Dr. Rontgene Solante, an infectious disease expert, said during the Laging Handa public briefing that admittedly, it’s still too early to say anything about the characteristics of the new subvariant.
He said, however, that they have already seen mutations that are indicative that the new subvariant may possibly have a higher transmission rate.
For now, Solante said they are still awaiting for more data that would show if the new subvariant called “Centaurus” can bring about severe conditions and symptoms, especially that it is also possible that it will have an effect on the efficacy of vaccines currently being used against COVID-19.
According to Solante, it is possible that the new BA.2.75 subvariant will enter the Philippines that is why the government should prepare about this as early as now.