WHO to help assess variant situation in Phl

The Department of Health (DOH) has sought the help of the World Health Organization (WHO) in analyzing the country’s situation as cases of new variants of COVID-19 are continuously being detected.

“We had a meeting with them (WHO) last Friday so they can help us to further analyze the situation that we have right now,” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said yesterday.

She clarified that while there is still “no confirmed community transmission” of new variants in the country, further investigation will be done.

The DOH already met with local government units and recommended the implementation of localized responses.

“We emphasized to them that they have to strictly implement their gatekeeping indicators such as contact tracing. For instance, they find a contact,

within 24 hours, the contact must be tested, put in quarantine so that they can cut the transmission of the virus,” she added.

Data show that there are now 118 cases of the United Kingdom variant and 58 cases of the South African variant in the country.

For his part, Sen. Francis Pangilinan appealed to authorities to prioritize frontline informal economy workers in vaccine distribution.

“We cannot afford a new economic plunge with the surge in COVID-19 cases, whether old or new strain. The frontliners who will receive the vaccine must include sari-sari store workers and Grab drivers, drivers and helpers, fish ball and street vendors, farmers and fishermen. Prioritize the backbone of the economy,” Pangilinan said.