Delta variant in Calabarzon are ‘local cases’
THE Department of Health-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) yesterday clarified that the five Delta variant cases reported in the region were local cases and not due to local transmissions and from still an unknown source.
Dr. Eduardo C. Janairo, DOH regional director, said three of the cases were reported last April by the National Epidemiology Center, two from the province of Cavite and one from Batangas.
“These three cases were not from the community where they reside, but they were actually OFWs and two were from the Middle East who eventually went to their place of residence after their being quarantined and they were already confirmed negative of the virus,” he explained.
The two new cases of Delta variant reported is a father, 58, and his son, 29 years old, from Calamba City, Laguna. Investigation is ongoing as to how they acquired the virus.
Janairo added that the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit is already conducting contact tracing activities in coordination with the city government of Calamba.
“Nagmeeting na sila with local government at may mga contact tracing na ngang ginagawa sa ngayon, dahil initially ang exposure ay sa 3 tao – ‘yung katulong, ‘yung household helper, ‘yung isa pang kapatid at may isa pang kasambahay doon na na-expose pero mga negative naman sila raw. Importanteng malaman natin kung ilan talaga ang kaso ng Delta variant sa region, paano ito i-contain upang hindi na kumalat at dumami pa ang kaso,” he said.
While advising residents not to panic, Janairo, however stressed the need to be careful and called on all residents to strictly follow health protocols and avoid unnecessary movement outside of their residence to avoid contracting the virus.
“Hindi po natin kailangang mag-panic. Ang kailangan po nating gawin ay doblehin ang pag-iingat upang makaiwas at makinig sa mga anunsyo at alintuntunin ng mga lokal na pamahalaan. Nananawagan din po ako sa mga residente na kasama sa priority list at hindi pa nabakunahan na magpalista na upang makatanggap ng bakuna laban sa COVID dahil ito ay magsisilbing dagdag protekyon laban sa COVID virus,” he said.
