Centaurus Sub-Variant of Omicron Reaches Philippines

The centaurus sub-variant of omicron that's driving infection spikes overseas has been detected in two people in the Philippines, who have since recovered from the disease, authorities said.

One of the two is fully vaccinated while the other is unvaccinated, Department of Health OIC Usec. Rosario Vergeire said. Their full travel history has not been established.

Centaurus, or BA.2.75, is said cause the rapid spread of COVID-19 in several countries, including the United States, Britain, Germany, and Australia.

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Vergeire urged Filipinos to keep wearing tight-fitting masks and get fully vaccinated and boosted.

As of Aug. 1, more than 71.7 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated, while more than 16.2 million have received their first booster.