The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Thursday night (July 22) the local transmission of the highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant in the Philippines, following the conduct of phylogenetic analysis and case investigation.
The Philippine Genome Center’s (PGC) analysis and DOH Epidemiology Bureau investigation found a link between clusters of locally reported Delta cases. DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said there is a family cluster of infections in Northern Mindanao and Antique.
“Mayroon pong isang kapamilya nila na nagtatrabaho sa isang lugar at umuwi sa kanilang pwesto, at doon po sila ay nagkaroon ng pagkakahawa-hawa, so that is a link,” Vergeire said in a forum, adding the clustering began at a wake.
“Nagkaroon din po tayo ng isang returning overseas Filipino na umuwi dito dahil namatay ang kanyang nanay… ‘Yung nanay niya, best friend po ‘yung asawa na nagkaroon naman ng sakit dun sa isang lugar dito sa ating bansa,” she added.
A local transmission is confirmed when there are linkages to cases, which in this case is driven by the Delta variant. Authorities said measures are in place to prevent community transmission, or when cases can no longer be connected with each other.
The Philippines currently has a total of 47 confirmed Delta cases, 12 of which were just reported on July 22. Of the said cases, six are in Bataan, two each in Laguna and Pasig, and one each in Manila and Taguig.
In a separate media forum, DOH-Calabarzon Regional Director Dr. Eduardo Janairo reported that they already have five Delta cases, including two local cases of the same household, and three returning overseas Filipinos.
“At the moment, pwede nating sabihing local transmission dahil up to now, hindi natin ma-identify kung saan ang source niya,” he said.
“We really have to investigate deeper, and see how it works within the community kung paano ang kanilang pakikipagsalamuha, relationship with the neighborhood,” he added.
No surge
The DOH said it has not yet observed the beginning of a COVID-19 case surge in Metro Manila despite reported local Delta cases. The country is still under low risk classification, but 11 NCR areas showed a positive two-week growth rate.
“Maaari tayong dumating diyan sa pagtaas ng mga kaso, pero sa ngayon hindi pa natin nakikita ‘yan,” Vergeire said.
“Kaya nga tayo patuloy na naghahanda para ma-prevent natin kung sakali na hindi naman tumaas nang husto ang mga kaso sa ating bansa,” she added.
The agency said it is prepared for a surge or increase in cases, noting that there have been augmentations in health capacity and oxygen tank supply. – Report from Mark Fetalco/AG- jlo
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