Alpha, Delta, Beta cases detected in PH
Strict border controls amid deadlier Lambda threat
THE Department of Health (DOH) Tuesday reported the detection of additional COVID-19 cases with Delta, Alpha and Beta cases in the latest genome sequencing report. Government officials are confident that the current border controls and quarantine protocol for incoming travelers can prevent the entry of the feared Lambda coronavirus variant.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said the University of the Philippines – Philippine Genome Center, and the University of the Philippines – National Institutes of Health reported the detection of additional cases of two Delta (B.1.617.2) variant cases, 132 Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant cases, 119 Beta (B.1.351) variant cases, and three Theta (P.3) variant cases.
The two new Delta variant cases are Returning Overseas Filipinos with travel history from Saudi Arabia. Both arrived in the Philippines on May 29, 2021 and have completed the requisite 10-day isolation period. They have been discharged from the quarantine facility after being tagged as recovered.
Meanwhile, of the additional 132 Alpha variant cases detected, 125 are local cases, one is an ROF, and six are being verified as to whether these are local or ROF cases. Based on the case line list, 15 cases have died and 117 cases have been tagged as recovered. The Alpha variant cases now total 1,217.
Of the additional 119 Beta variant cases detected, 111 are local cases, two are ROFs, and six cases are being verified as to whether these are local or ROF cases. Based on the case line list, three cases are currently active, 104 cases have been tagged as recovered, and 12 cases have died. The total Beta variant cases are now 1,386.
The additional three Theta variant cases are local cases and have already been tagged as recovered.
Duque reminded all fully vaccinated individuals to continue following the prescribed minimum public health standards to ensure that transmission of COVID-19 is minimized.
He added mass gatherings are especially discouraged regardless of vaccination status, as these are the main drivers of outbreaks among unvaccinated persons in countries with relatively high vaccination rates.
“The DOH is also committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that border control measures are strictly implemented,” the health chief also assured.
Lambda variant detected in at least 29 territories
Duque III said on Tuesday the current rules have been effective in preventing the local transmission of the Delta variant in the country. The country’s 19 Delta variant cases were from inbound travelers who were immediately isolated upon arrival.
“Ang ating pamamaraan ganun pa rin, strict border control. Napatunayan natin na ito ay epektibo dahil sa Delta variant, wala pang nakakalusot ni isa sa ating komunidad, local case or local transmission. So ‘yan paiigtingin natin ang border control,” he said in a media briefing.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque added, “Ang Lambda variant ay nanggagaling sa Peru at Latin America and it helps na walang direct flight to the Philippines from Latin America.”
The officials did not say if there are plans to expand the travel ban, but they said the government will monitor developments and act accordingly.
The Lambda variant of interest has been detected in at least 29 territories. The variant, also known as the C.37 variant first detected in Peru, is believed to be more transmissible, meaning it could drive surges in new infections and hospitalizations. Dr. Rontgene Solante said there is no scientific data yet if could lead to more deaths, but added that it can be dangerous for elderly people or those with comorbidities. With CNN Philippines
