THE Department of Health – Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) has launched “Project DELTA” (Detect Early Local Transmission through Antigen Testing) to provinces in the region where the Delta variant were identified.

The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit , together with the Regional Infectious Disease Cluster, led the mass swab testing in Laguna from July 30 to August 13, particularly in Bgy. Sta. Monica in San Pablo City; Bgy. San Nicolas in Bay; Bgy. Wawa in Lumban; Bgy. Barandal and Bgy. Canlubang in Calamba City.

A total of 343 individuals were tested.

DOH regional director Dr. Eduardo Janairo said the project is aimed at stemming the further spread of the highly-contagious COVID variant in the region.

He said those who have undergone antigen testing were direct contacts of individuals who were afflicted with the Delta variant.

“We need to strengthen the implementation of the prevent, detect, isolate, treat and re-integrate response strategies against the COVID-19 virus. Ang health workers natin kasama ang ating local government units ay tuloy-tuloy ang ginagawang mass testing sa mga barangay na mayroong mga identified Delta variant cases. Kailangang sa community pa lang ay malaman na natin kung sino ang mayroon nito upang ma-isolate na agad at mabigyan ng agarang gamot upang hindi na kumalat at makahawa pa ng iba,” Janairo said.

“Mabilis na kumakalat ngayon sa ating bansa ang mga COVID-19 variant kaya’t kailangan nating doblehin ang pag-iingat upang tayo ay maging ligtas. We must strictly follow community safety protocols. Magpabakuna na kung hindi pa nakatanggap ng COVID vaccine upang magkaroon ng dagdag proteksyon,” he added.

As of Aug. 13, there were a total of 111 Delta variant cases from Cavite (41) Laguna (35), Batangas (14), Rizal (14) and Quezon (7), with two deaths reported. Jane Eleda and Lee Ann Ducusin

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Lee Ann P. Ducusin