The Ministry of Health has announced that two Omicron sub-variants, BA.4 and BA.5, have been found in Myanmar nationals returned from abroad.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Health is continuously monitoring the COVID-19 virus for transient surveillance and laboratory tests are being carried out by taking samples from people entering through international commercial and relief flights to Myanmar and the border checkpoints. The Ministry of Health is providing up-to-date information on the discovery of COVID-19 mutants, including Omicron.

In doing so, 16 suspected samples of the COVID-19 virus were tested at the Department of Medical Research on June 30 and found BA.4 in one lab sample and BA.5 in five lab samples.

All those found to be infected with the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 strains were Myanmar nationals returned from abroad and had been treated in isolation since the COVID-19 biopsy was confirmed and they are in good health.

International studies have shown that Omicron mutants are less likely to cause severe symptoms and death in people who have received a full dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

It is reported that efforts are being step up by the Ministry of Health for COVID-19 mutagenic surveillance procedures and COVID-19 prevention, control and treatment.