An expert warned this Sunday that the public should not be complacent even though COVID-19 cases are declining because there is still the threat of coronavirus variants, such as the variant first seen in India.
According to infectious disease specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante, if the spread of the variant from India is not prevented, it could cause more patients with severe COVID-19.
“Especially in India, there are reports that those who had the variant and comparing it to the old variant, they developed more severe cases, especially the younger population,” said Solante.
“With regards to the cases, that’s where I am so apprehensive or concerned about. If this variant is now present in the Philippines, hopefully it will not be causing more cases or community transmission. It’s very difficult to have another surge. It can strain the function of most healthcare facilities,” he said.
On Saturday, 10 new cases of the Indian variant were reported by the Department of Health (DOH) for a total of 12 infected with it.
There are also studies that say that the variant may affect the efficacy of vaccines.
“There are evidence that this variant can affect the efficacy of the vaccine. We need more studies on that,” he said.
Filipinos should still be careful vs Indian variant: expert
But according to Solante, the COVID-19 variants should not affect the country’s vaccination program, which targets vaccinating 70 million people before the end of the year.
Everyone has a role to play in controlling the spread of COVID-19, so minimum health standards must always be followed.
Establishments must also ensure that physical distancing and contact tracing are followed and that there is proper ventilation.
According to Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega, the health care utilization rate (HCUR) or condition of hospitals in Metro Manila is also improving.
The utilization rate of the isolation beds and COVID-19 ward beds is said to be 51 percent.
But the utilization rate of intensive care units remains high at 61 percent.
“This is a big improvement compared sa last two weeks na mataas ang ating HCUR,” said Vega.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.