The Department of Health (DOH) is now coordinating with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) on the new strain of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) found in the United Kingdom which reportedly has a faster transmission rate.
According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, the strain has not reached the Philippines but the health department is closely monitoring the situation.
Despite this, the DOH does not see any need for the implementation of stricter travel restrictions for now. The government is doing everything to stop the entry of the new strain in the country.
“I don’t think that would be required at this point, although we are strengthening our measures to prevent ‘yung pagpasok ng impeksyon dito. Kaya ‘yung ating pagbabantay ng ports with the testing, quarantine of all those coming in ay isinasagawa natin (I don’t think that would be required at this point, although we are strengthening our measures to prevent the entry of infection here. Our monitoring in ports with the testing, quarantine of all those coming in are being done),” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire explained.
Meanwhile, The DOH assured that the Philippines will be able to secure supplies from the Covax Facility which will be enough for 20 percent of the country’s population. These are expected to be distributed in 2021 and health workers will be prioritized in the vaccination program.
The agency also ensured that the government will have enough supply for the COVID-19 immunization including syringes. Storage facilities are being prepared as well.
DOH personnel supports Sec. Duque
The DOH personnel expressed their support for the leadership of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III following renewed calls for him to step down from his post.
Usec. Vergeire relayed how the agency understands that some people are getting impatient with the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines in the country but guaranteed that the government is doing everything to procure supplies by next year. – From report by Mark Fetalco
