DOH: New coronavirus variants in Philippines account for 7% of samples from COVID-19 cases

At least 7% of the samples from COVID-19 cases in the country involve new variants of coronavirus, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said on Monday.

Director Alethea de Guzman of the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau was referring to new coronavirus variants first detected in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil. 

“Sa mga kumpirmadong variant, 7% [ng active COVID-19 cases] ang nakita natin based on our sequencing of samples. Kung ito ay lalampas ng more than 50% or 60%, makakakita tayo ng jump in cases na 28 times,” de Guzman said during the Laging Handa briefing.

[The variants account for 7% of our cases based on our sequenced samples. If this goes up to 50% to 60%, then the number of cases will jump to as much as 28 times].

“As of now, these variants of concern account for a very small percentage, and that is why we have to cut the transmission as soon as possible so it does not spread further,” she added. 

De Guzman then said that the best way to fight COVID-19 amid the emergence of new COVID-19 variants is strict observance of minimum public health standards, namely wearing of face mask and face shield, frequent washing of hands and observing social distancing.

“The observance of minimum public health standards should be correct and consistent. Our mask should cover the mouth and nose and tightly-fitted,” she pointed out.

“As for public places, there should be a symptom check,” she added.

The OCTA Research group said that the country’s daily number of cases could reach as much 20,000 cases per day in April.

However, the group said this could be prevented if the national government and local government units continue to implement minimum health protocols, localized lockdowns, and curfew hours. —KG, GMA News