The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed today the detection of additional 17 Delta variant of COVID-19 that brings the total to 64.
According to DOH, the University of the Philippines – Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC), and the University of the Philippines – National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) reported that 12 of the 17 new Delta variant cases are local, one is a returning Overseas Filipino (ROF) while four cases are currently being verified if these are local or ROF cases.
Of the 12 local cases, nine had indicated address in the National Capital Region and three were in CALABARZON. Three cases remain active and 14 cases have been tagged as recovered. The outcomes are being validated by DOH regional and local health offices.
Meanwhile, there are also 11 new Alpha variant cases detected, 10 were local cases and one is currently being verified if this is a local or ROF case. Based on the case line list, one remains active, seven cases have died, and three cases have been tagged as recovered. This brings the total Alpha variant cases to 1,679.
There are also more cases of Beta variants reported, 10 were local cases and three cases are currently being verified if they are local or ROF cases. Based on the case line list, one is still active, two have died, and 10 have recovered. The total Beta variant cases are now at 1,840.
Moreover, additional P.3 variant cases was reported in which one is a local case and another who is being verified if this is a local or ROF case. Both cases have been tagged as recovered.
The DOH reported that the samples taken from seafarers of M/V Tug Clyde and Barge Claudia have been included in the next batch of whole genome sequencing.
Following the announcement of a local transmission of the Delta variant, the DOH emphasized the need to ensure active case finding, aggressive contact tracing, increased risk-based and targeted testing, and the immediate isolation/quarantine of suspect/probable cases and close contacts.
The public is likewise advised to strictly adhere to the minimum public health standards, get vaccinated, and complete their doses as scheduled.