MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday night said health authorities have detected the local transmission of the highly contagious Delta variant in the country.
In a statement, the DOH said it was discovered through a phylogenetic analysis by the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center and case investigation by the DOH Epidemiology Bureau and the regional and local epidemiology and surveillance units.
“Clusters of Delta variant cases were seen to be linked to other local cases, therefore, exhibiting local transmission,” the agency said.
There are 12 newly detected Delta cases -- six in Bataan, two in Laguna, one in Manila, two in Pasig City, and one in Taguig City.
This brings the total number of Delta variant cases in the country to 47 -- 36, including the additional 12, have recovered, three have died and eight are active cases.
About 24 of these are returning overseas Filipinos and 22 local cases while one case is still being verified if a local case or an ROF.
The government has initiated enhanced Covid-19 response in areas where Delta variant cases were detected through the implementation of the four-door strategy, it added.
There is enough Covid-19-dedicated ward, intensive care unit, and temporary treatment and monitoring beds in the country, especially in areas experiencing case spikes, authorities assured.
The government has prepared enough supplies of Covid-19 medicines, oxygen tanks, and critical care equipment in hospitals and augmentation of human resources.
The DOH reminded the public anew to strictly adhere to the minimum public health standards and get vaccinated when possible, to protect themselves against any variant.
It also advised the public to avoid unnecessary travels and gatherings.
Meanwhile, local government units are urged to shorten the duration of case detection to isolation and immediately isolate symptomatic patients and ramp up their vaccination and prioritize the senior citizens and people with underlying conditions. (PNA)
