THE Department of Health yesterday confirmed additional 52 cases of the B.1.351 or South African COVID-19 variant and 31 of B.1.1.7 or the UK variant.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said the additional South African and UK variants, as well as 42 additional cases with mutations of potential clinical significance, were detected among the 9th batch of 350 samples sequenced by the UP-Philippine Genome Center.
With the detection of additional cases of the new variants, which are said to be more transmissible, Duque stressed the importance of following the minimum public health standards at all times.
“Everyone is reminded of their individual responsibilities to follow the minimum public health standards at all times and in all settings. The conscious effort of properly wearing a mask and face shield, and observing physical distancing will keep you and everyone around you protected from COVID-19,” he said.
Samples comprising the 9th batch of run came from NCR, Region 7, and Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) in response to the increased number of cases in these areas.
Of the 52 cases who tested positive for the South African variant, 41 have indicative addresses in NCR, while 11 cases are being verified if these are local cases or ROFs. One case from NCR has recovered, while the remaining 51 cases are currently tagged as active and are being managed.
On the other hand, 28 of the UK variant cases have indicative addresses in NCR, while three cases are being verified if these are local cases or ROFs. All 31 are active cases.
Lastly, of the 42 cases with mutations of potential clinical significance, 34 have indicative addresses in Region 7, six have indicative addresses in NCR, and two cases are being verified if these are local cases or ROFs.
“The DOH and its concerned Centers for Health Development is coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Local Government Units in NCR and Region 7 to institute measures to contain further transmission of these variants and mutations,” Duque assured the public.
