DOH-Calabarzon launches ‘Project DELTA’ to stop local transmission
THE Department of Health (DOH)-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) recently launched “Project DELTA” (Detect Early Local Transmission through Antigen Testing) to provinces in the region where the Delta variant was identified.
Dr. Eduardo C. Janairo, DOH regional director, said the project, which was initiated late last month, is aimed at stemming the further spread of the highly-contagious variant in the region and added that 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 mga health workers natin kasama ang ating mga LGUs 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 variants kaya’t kailangang 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 reminded.
The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, together with the Regional Infectious Disease Cluster, led the mass swab testing in Laguna from July 30, 2021 to Aug. 13, 2021, particularly in Bgy. Sta. Monica in San Pablo City, Bgy. San Nicolas in the town of Bay, Bgy. Wawa in Lumban, Bgys. Barandal and Canlubang in Calamba City. A total of 343 individuals were tested.
According to the Regional Biosurveillance Update of Aug. 13, 2021, there were a total of 111 Delta variant cases identified from the five provinces namely Cavite (41 cases), Laguna (35 cases), Batangas (14 cases), Rizal (14 cases) and Quezon (7).
Janairo added that there are no active cases recorded. There are however 48 recoveries, 34 cases for verification, 27 were pending retest result and two deaths reported.
