New Omicron Variant Detection: 17 new cases of Omicron variant detected: MOH

The Ministry of Health issued new detection of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Health is continuously conducting “COVID-19 Molecular Disease Surveillance” and released information on the detection of SARS CoV-2 Omicron variant to those who arrived by the commercial flights and relief flights as well as through border gates and those infected by local transmission in a timely manner. 17 suspected laboratory samples of the COVID-19 virus were sent to the National Health Laboratory on 6th February, and the BA.5 variants were found in 9 laboratory samples, BA.2 variants in 8 samples including two XBB.1 variants.

Among them, 9 cases of BA.5 variants and 5 BA.2 variants are the returnees from foreign countries, and 3 cases of BA.2 variants are local transmission. The patients are being provided systematic treatment, and they health condition is progressing. According to the international studies, those who completed booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine have less severity and mortality rate due to the omicron variant.

Therefore, it is announced that the ministry is stepping up the COVID-19 disease monitoring and control measures plus disease prevention, control and treatment activities, and the public are urged to take COVID-19 vaccination and its booster shot.