PH records 11 local cases of Delta variant of COVID-19

The Department of Health announced on Friday that there are already local cases of the more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 in the Philippines. Two of the 11 recorded cases are in Metro Manila, and one has died.

According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, apart from the 11 local cases of the Delta variant, there were five more cases from returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs).

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In total, 35 Delta variant cases have been recorded in the country.

Of the 11 local cases, two were in Metro Manila, six in Region 10, and two in Region 6. One also tested positive in Metro Manila but lived in Region 3.

Except for one patient in Metro Manila who died, 10 others were cured.

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“All these cases have no known connection to each other,” said Vergeire.

DOH Epidemiology Bureau director Dr. Alethea De Guzman said local Delta cases included a 14-year-old patient and an 18-year-old.

He added that only one of the patients had been fully vaccinated.

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Meanwhile, one in five ROF-Delta cases came from the United Kingdom, two from Qatar, while two are still benefiting.

PH records 11 local cases of Delta variant of COVID-19

Patients from the UK and Qatar have all recovered after their 14-day quarantine period.

In this regard, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that Filipinos should not rely on face mask-free Christmas due to the still lack of vaccines in the country.

“Mukhang made-delay ‘yon. ‘Wag muna nating asahan ‘yan kasi mapu-frustrate lang tayo na umaasa tayo. Pinaaasa natin ang taumbayan eh hindi naman natin kontrolado ang supply,” he explained.

Last month, OCTA Research Group said “no mask” Christmas and looser quarantine restrictions are possible if herd immunity is achieved.

According to group fellow Dr. Nicanor Austriaco Jr., this is possible if 250,000 people can be  per day in NCR Plus 8.

“It is very possible that we can do that in the NCR plus 8, we have to vaccinate about 250,000 Filipinos every day for the next 4 to 5 months, it is possible there seems to be enough supply arriving now, so our hope and prayer is that if the Filipino people, especially in the NCR plus 8, want a no mask Christmas, then we will all be vaccinated,” said Austriaco.

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