By Alex Lumaque/PIA
Governor Esteban Evan Contreras has directed all the provincial government-run hospitals to prepare their facilities for a possible surge of COVID-19 cases in the province due to the Delta variant.
The statement was made after two local confirmed cases of COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant were recorded in the province, particularly in Jamindan and Tapaz towns, as per result of Whole Genome Sequencing released by the University of the Philippines – Philippine Genome Center that was forwarded to the Department of Health – Western Visayas Center for Health Development last week.
“I am directing them now to prepare medicine supplies, oxygen tanks and additional staff that will man additional facilities for COVID-19 patients,” Contreras said in Hiligaynon in a video posted in the provincial government’s official social media page.
He also appealed to the public to cooperate in the campaign by strictly observing the minimum health standards such as wearing of face mask and face shield, observing social distancing and regular washing of hands.
The COVID-19 Delta variant is a mutated COVID-19 virus which was first described in India.
It is said to be associated with evading immune protection, reduced antibody neutralization and increased transmissibility based on a DOH information material. (JBG/AAL/PIA Capiz) -rir
