17 cases of Delta variant detected in PH: DOH

The Department of Health has reported 17 cases of more contagious Delta variants in the Philippines so far.

The Delta variant was first detected in India.

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According to the Philippine Genome Center and the University of the Philippines’ National Institute of Health, the DOH said four more Delta (B.1.617.2) variant cases had been added to the previous 13.

Three of the four new cases of Delta variant are Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROF) from the MV Eastern Hope, a ship currently docked in South Korea.

“Upon detection of the PCR-positive Filipino crew in South Korea, they were repatriated back to the Philippines on June 3, 2021,” the DOH said.

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Meanwhile, two patients completed the 10-day quarantine and already recovered while one was still in a hospital in Metro Manila.
The DOH also reported the detection of 14 Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant cases, 21 Beta (B.1.351) variant cases, and one Theta (P.3, Philippines) variant.
“The DOH, UP-PGC, and UP-NIH assure the public that biosurveillance activities for the detection of COVID-19 variants shall continue amidst the increase in cases in Visayas and Mindanao,” the DOH said.

17 cases of Delta variant detected in PH: DOH

Of the new 14 Alpha variant cases, 12 are local cases, while two are being verified as to whether local or ROF cases.

“The Alpha variant cases now total 1,085,” the DOH said.

The Alpha variant was first detected in the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, additional 21 Beta variant cases were detected in the country. The said variant was first detected in South Africa.

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Lastly, the one case of Theta variant is currently being verified as to whether local or  ROF case. The patient has already recovered from the disease.

“Currently, the Theta variant is not identified as a variant of concern (VOC) since more data is needed to conclude whether the variant will have significant public health implications,” the DOH said.

“These reagents will allow the DOH, UP-PGC, and UP-NIH to sequence samples of COVID-19 cases regularly until the end of the year, ensuring that the government will have essential information in mitigating the spread of COVID-19,” DOH added.

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