The Department of Health (DOH) – Epidemiology Bureau disclosed that only 7% of the genome sequencing samples are included in the variants of concern.
In a public briefing, DOH-EB Director Alethea De Guzman pointed out that although the new variants may be factored in the surge in the number of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country, it can also be pinpointed to the public’s lack of compliance with the minimum health standards.
“Ine-encourage na po talaga natin ang ating mga communities na kahit po sa bahay ay mag-mask na po talaga lalo na po kung mayroong mga elderly at may comorbidities na kasama sa bahay, higit na mahalaga ang pagsusuot ng mask sa loob po ng ating mga tahanan (We really encourage communities to wear masks even at home especially when living with elderlies or persons with comorbidities. It is very important to wear masks inside the house).”
The Philippines has also detected its first case of the COVID-19 Brazilian variant from a returning overseas Filipino from Brazil. De Guzman disclosed that the said patient from Western Visayas has immediately undergone quarantine and contact tracing has been conducted for the patient’s close contacts.
Moreover, the health department revealed that it has recorded 98 cases of the P.3 variant or the first reported variant in the Philippines, majority of which has been discovered in Region 7. However, Dr. De Guzman explained that the said variant is still not classified as a variant of concern due to the lack of proof that it has a “potential impact to public health”.
–Report from Mark Fetalco
