The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Friday (July 16) the detection of 16 Delta variant cases in the country based on the latest whole genome sequencing results.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online briefing that five of the 16 new cases are returning Filipinos and 11 are local cases.
Of the five returning Filipino cases, one arrived in the country from the United Kingdom on April 26 and was tagged recovered after undergoing 14-day quarantine, and two were from Qatar who exhibited symptoms on June 15 and have already recovered.
Authorities are still verifying the arrival and quarantine status of the two remaining returning Filipino cases.
The DOH said six of the local cases were detected in Region 10 who exhibited symptoms from June 23 to June 28 and have already recovered.
Two local cases were detected in Metro Manila, including one who succumbed to the disease on June 28. Two cases were also detected in Region 6, both showed symptoms on May 27, and have been tagged as recovered.
The DOH said there is no connection among the cases. The DOH said the four-door strategy delayed Delta variant’s entry into the country, and that Beta remains the dominant variant.
However, the Delta variant’s detection would open doors 3 and 4 of the strategy, wherein Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) strategy will be strengthened and the healthcare capacity will be prepared for a surge.
Enhanced measures
The country’s border control measures remain on high alert, together with the strict implementation of 10-day facility-based quarantine, swab testing, and an additional four-day quarantine for returning Filipinos.
Experts also advised the public to refrain from conducting mass gatherings that can turn into superspreader events. They are also urging the public to get vaccinated.
Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said around nine million vaccine doses will be delivered in the coming weeks. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio/AG-rir
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