THE Department of Health-Calabarzon’s (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) “Project DELTA” (Detect Early Local Transmission through Antigen Testing) recently completed mass testing in the province of Quezon where Delta variant cases were recorded.

The Project DELTA Team led by the Regional Infectious Disease Cluster and Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, together with officials of various local government units of the province, conducted antigen testing among residents of Bgy. Manggalang in Sariaya, Bgy. Buliran in San Antonio, and Bgy. Lusacan in Tiaong from September 1 to 3.

As of September 5, the Regional Biosurveillance Update reported a total of 298 Delta variant cases identified from among the five provinces – Laguna, with 85 cases; Cavite, with 71 cases; Rizal – 62, Batangas – 43, and Quezon – 26. Lucena City has 11 recorded cases.

DOH regional director Eduardo Janairo said there were two cases admitted for treatment in the province of Quezon. A total of 172 patients have recovered and 116 individuals are for verification.

There were eight Delta variant deaths recorded – two each from the provinces of Rizal and Quezon, one each in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas, and one from Lucena City.

Janairo advised residents to strictly follow the standard safety protocols and avoid crowded public areas.

“Better stay at home and be safe,” he said.

“Magpalista na sa inyong mga lokal na pamahalaan upang makatanggap ng bakuna laban sa Covid virus. Napakaimportante ngayon na magkaroon ng proteksyon lalo pa at dumarami ang kaso natin sa rehiyon,” he emphasized.

There are now a total of 4,934,493 individuals in the region who were vaccinated.

As of Sept. 6, a total of 275,747 COVID-19 cases were recorded, with 39,104 active cases, 228,645 recoveries, and 7,998 deaths.

Janairo said that mass antigen testing will continue to further identify and detect Covid cases in the region to prevent their spread in the communities. Jane Eleda and Lee Ann Ducusin

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Jane Eleda