To date, four cases of Omicron BA.2 sub-variant have been confirmed in Ancash region, the
head of Epidemiology at the Regional Health Directorate (Diresa), Jaime Salazar, reported on Monday.
The expert explained that the detection of these cases has been possible thanks to the genomic sequencing of samples performed by the
National Health Institute (INS) on a national scale so as to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.
Although this sub-variant of Omicron is characterized as highly contagious, Salazar explained that it has not yet spurred an exponential growth of cases in Ancash, as was the case with the Omicron variant between December last year and the summer of 2022.
Regarding the health status of the people infected with the BA.2 sub-variant, none of them has developed complications.
According to Diresa’s Situation Room, 890 new cases of COVID-19 have been detected in Ancash since May 1, a relatively high number compared to the previous fortnight, when 711 infections were reported.
As for the death toll, 16 deaths have been recorded so far this month (May), compared to the previous fortnight, when 12 deaths were reported.
Ancash has been one of the first regions across the country to permit the optional use of facemasks in open spaces.
It must be pointed out that 70% of the Ancash target population has received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
(END) GHD/MAO/RMB
Published: 5/30/2022