The more infectious Delta coronavirus variant of COVID-19 has increased by 12 local cases in the Philippines, according to information released by the Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday.
According to the DOH, the total number of local cases of Delta variant in the country has risen to 47, and three more have died.
Of the said number, 36 have recovered, and eight are active cases or continue to be treated.
The DOH also said three of the new cases of Delta variant were from Metro Manila; six in Region 3, two in Calabarzon, and one in Region 5.
“All cases have been tagged as recovered, but their outcomes are being validated by our regional and local health offices,” said DOH.
The DOH said measures should be intensified in areas with new Delta variant cases, and even in areas where the number of contaminants increases, “with the premise that there may be ongoing local transmission already.”
The DOH has advised local governments to increase the “sample” sent to genome sequencing, especially in areas with increased COVID-19 contamination.
Delta variant cases in Philippines increased by 12
Meanwhile, there has also been an increase in cases of other variants of COVID-19, such as Alpha which was first seen in the United Kingdom, and Beta, which was first seen in Africa.
According to the DOH, 187 cases were added for the Alpha variant, 142 for the Beta variant, and 12 for the P.3 variant that is believed to have originated here in the Philippines.
In total, there were 1,668 Alpha cases in the Philippines, 1,827 Beta cases, and 233 P.3 cases, while the Gamma variant, which was first seen in Brazil, remained at two.
“The DOH reminds the public that as the government continually strengthens our healthcare capacity, the minimum public health standards and getting vaccinated when it is our turn are still the best defense against any variant,” DOH reminded.
Meanwhile, some local governments in Visayas and Mindanao have already received another batch of vaccines against COVID-19 this week.
As of Thursday morning, 51,480 doses of Pfizer vaccine arrived in Davao City, followed by the arrival of 72,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.