According to the Department of Health, the Delta variant of COVID-19, which is now widespread in many countries, does not rule out the possibility of entering the Philippines.
However, the government is doing everything to prepare for it.
“Kailangan ang sambayanan ay alam ang posibilidad na maaari at dadating tayo doon sa punto na papasok at papasok itong Delta variant dito sa atin, pero ang importante handa na tayo,” said Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire.
In Southeast Asia, the overwhelming impact of the Delta variant is already being felt, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Due to the continued spread of the variant, infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante emphasized strict travel restrictions.
“We really have to have that border control. Border control should also include ‘yong sa dagat at sa ibang pamamaraan na makapasok dito sa Pilipinas,” said Solante.
The Philippines on Wednesday extended the travel ban on travelers from some countries to prevent the spread of the Delta variant here.
Based on overseas reports, the Delta variant has entered them due to the ease of trips.
Entry of Delta variant possibly unavoidable: DOH
If the Delta variant finally penetrates the communities, the Philippine health care system will not be able to cope with the Indonesian-like situation, Solante said.
According to the OCTA Research Group, it is no longer a question of whether the Delta variant will enter the country but when.
So far, the group sees rising cases of COVID-19 in Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City, with reproduction numbers of 1.37 and 1.80.
The reproduction number of Mariveles, Bataan is also high at 2.23.
In the National Capital Region, the reproduction number remains less than 1.
As of Thursday, the Philippines recorded 5,221 additional COVID-19 cases for a total of 1,490,665 confirmed cases, of which 45,495 are active cases or still ill.
Meanwhile, the Philippine embassy in Indonesia continues to monitor the situation of Filipinos there due to the sudden increase in COVID-19 cases.
According to Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia, Lee Hiong Wee, they have warned the Filipino community in Indonesia to be careful.
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