Experts have expressed alarm with the detection in the Philippines of the new SARS-CoV-2 variant from the United Kingdom which is reportedly more transmissible.
Dr. Butch Ong of the OCTA Research Group said they are worried with the faster transmission of the new variant despite the expected mutation of the virus in the current pandemic.
“Mula noong pagpasok ang taon, tumataas nang bahagya yung ating R-value (Since the start of the year, our R-value has increased slightly),” Ong reported.
“Ngayon itong new variant na ito (now, this new variant) is believed to be more transmissible by as much as 70% than the previous variant. So mas nakakahawa ito (so it is more contagious) than the previous ones,” Ong pointed out.
The OCTA Research Group recommended the strengthening of the capacity of healthcare system in the country by utilizing more health professionals, expanding isolation and testing capacity, and adjusting RT-PCR tests.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday emphasized that the country is “not defenseless,” saying that current protocols are in place and are already being strengthened.
The Department of Health (DOH) has recommended the inclusion of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the list of countries under restricted travel where the first patient detected with the new variant went.
The new variant has increased the necessity to convince the public to get vaccinated against the virus.
The OCTA Research Group said it will be a challenge, considering that its recent survey revealed the low vaccine confidence in Mega Manila.
“Hahabulin pa natin ang 75% kasi 25% lang ang willing. Perhaps simulan na natin ‘yung massive information campaign sa vaccination program natin (We still have to catch up with 75% because only 25% are willing. Perhaps we should begin with a massive information campaign on our vaccination program),” he urged.
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Dir. Gen. Ramon Cualoping III assured on Wednesday that more measures will be undertaken to explain the vaccine rollout plan in the country.
“Ngayon po ay iikot tayo ulit sa buong Pilipinas para ilahad ano ba talaga ‘yung plano ng national government para po sa vaccine (We will go around the Philippines to lay out the plan of the national government for the vaccines,” he shared. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
