17 more Delta variant cases detected in Philippines
MANILA: Seventeen new cases of the coronavirus (COVID 19) Delta variant have been detected in the Philippines bringing to 64 the total number of infections traced to this highly transmissible strain, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Saturday.
In a statement, the DOH said only three of the new cases remained active while the remaining 14 have already recovered. It added 12 of the additional cases were considered “local” while their experts were still verifying if the four remain patients were returning overseas Filipino workers ( OFWS).
It said Metro Manila accounted for nine of the new Delta variant infections while three came from Calabarzon, an acronym for the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batanga, Rizal and Quezon in Southern Luzon, acknowledged as one of the country’s richest and fastest-growing regions for hosting big foreign and local firms in their export processing zones.
The DOH appealed to the people to observe strictly the basic health protocols like the mandatory wearing of face mask and face shield, observance of social distancing and the ban on mass gatherings as well as the washing of hands.
But more than that, the DOH urged the people to get their inoculation shots and follow the example of the total 5.5 million Filipinos who have been completely vaccinated, meaning they already received their two jabs.
It reiterated its warning for people to be extra careful following a report from health experts that the Delta variant, which was traced to India, continues to besiege at least 100 nations, including the US and the United Kingdom.
Medical groups have warned that the Philippines could not handle a surge in Delta strain infections similar to what is now being experienced in Indonesia where its healthcare system appeared to be on the verge of collapse with hordes of patients, for instance, storming the hospitals for treatment but to no avail.
But the government assured it was preparing for the “worst scenario” with the confirmed entry in the country by increasing the capacity of its hospitals to accommodate patients.