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5,000 MORE TRACERS SOUGHT

Metro Manila Council makes preparations vs COVID-19 Delta variant


The Metro Manila Council asked for 5,000 more contact tracers in case the more transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19 enters the capital region.

According to a report on "24 Oras Weekend" on Sunday, the MMC is prioritizing aggressive contact tracing and testing to prevent the further spread of the virus.

"Importante maalalayan namin ang kaso sa mga lugar namin. Makita namin kaunting increase, galaw kaagad kami," Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos said.

(We must be able to take action against COVID-19 cases in our localities. We see a slight increase, we immediately take action.)

"Puwedeng lockdown kaagad o magre-report kaagad kami. At of course, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang swabbing, testing at isolation. Dapat paghandaan nang husto ito. Iba na 'yong baka mabulaga tayo," he added.

(We can immediately go into a lockdown, or immediately report the matter. And of course, swabbing, testing, and isolation are continuous. We have to be prepared for this, and not get surprised.)

The MMC also asked the national government to maintain strict border controls to dampen threats of the Delta variant.

Earlier, the government enforced a travel ban on passengers coming from India and six other countries, which was extended until June 30, 2021.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Filipinos who are included in the government's repatriation programs are not covered by the travel restrictions imposed for inbound travelers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, and Oman.

As of Sunday, the Philippines logged over 1.3 million COVID-19 infections including 1,277,715 recoveries and 23,621 deaths. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News

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