The Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD) reported cases of COVID-19 Delta variant.
Two (2) local cases of Indian variant or the Delta variant were tagged to Bicol yesterday, August 5, 2021.
This is based on the genomic sequencing result from the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) received by the Bicol Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) on August 5, 2021.
Eleven (11) cases of UK variant (Alpha) and twenty two (22) cases of South African variant (Beta) were first reported last July 21, 2021.
Another (1) case of Delta variant was reported from a Returning Overseas Filipino (ROF).
A total of 35 Bicolanos are confirmed for the COVID-19 variants of concern.
On Alpha variant (Reported July 21, 2021):
• Camarines Sur – 7
• Iriga City – 1
• Naga City – 1
• Masbate City – 1
• Sorsogon City – 1
On Beta variant (Reported July 21, 2021):
• Albay – 3
• Legazpi City – 3
• Tabaco City – 2
• Camarines Norte – 1
• Camarines Sur – 8
• Naga City – 4
• Sorsogon – 1
On Delta variant (Reported August 5, 2021):
• Legazpi City – 1
• Camarines Sur – 1
On initial investigation, the Legazpi City Delta case is linked with a confirmed COVID-19 case from Malilipot, Albay.
While the Nabua case works in a nearby municipality of Bula in Camarines Sur. The father of the Nabua case also contracted COVID-19.
The Delta Variant also known as B.1.617.2 is first detected in India on October 2020. It is known as the most contagious coronavirus worldwide.
With the rate of infection of the Delta and Beta variants, and the local transmission of the Alpha variant in our region, DOH Bicol CHD is urging Bicolanos to religiously practice wearing of mask and face shield properly, maintaining physical distancing of 1 meter or more, and doing hand hygiene.
Also, it is important to stay at home and be with your family, refrain from attending all forms social gatherings and avoid poorly ventilated rooms.
DOH appeals to public to immediately isolate when sick, wear mask and seek immediate medical consultation.
On top of these interventions, it is vital to get oneself vaccinated against COVID-19.
Health workers, senior citizens and persons with comorbidities must receive their COVID-19 vaccines to protect themselves and their loved ones from severe forms of COVID-19.