Philippines detects more cases from coronavirus variants —DOH

More coronavirus variant COVID-19 cases have been detected by the Philippine Genome Center, and the University of the Philippines’ National Institute of Health, the Department of Health said Saturday.

According to the agency, the sequencing of 37 samples showed 10 more B.1.617.2 variant cases (India); 13 additional B.1.1.7 (United Kingdom); seven B.1.351 (South Africa); and one P.3 variant case that was first detected in the Philippines.

According to the DOH, the sequencing included samples from the crew members of the MV Athens Bridge, returning overseas Filipinos (FOFs) with relevant travel history, and deceased severe or critical cases.

Also, the additional 10 cases of the B.1.617.2 variant bring the total to 12.

Of the 10 new ones, one was a seafarer from Belgium while nine others were crew members of MV Athens Bridge.

The DOH said the seafarer flew back to Manila through the United Arab Emirates. He arrived on April 24 and completed his isolation on May 13.

Meanwhile, of the nine crew members, four remain in a stable condition at a hospital in Manila while the other five are currently in an isolation facility.

“Samples of the other three PCR-positive crew members were not eligible for sequencing. Likewise, these three crew members remain in an isolation facility,” the DOH said.

Meanwhile, of the 13 B.1.1.7 variant cases, three are ROFs, and 10 are local cases.  The DOH said 12 have recovered while one has died.

According to the DOH, of the additional seven B.1.351 variant cases, two cases are ROFs, two are local cases, and three cases are currently being verified.

Two are still active while one has died and four have recovered.

Meanwhile, the additional P.3 variant case, died on February 28.

“At present, the P.3 variant is not identified as a VOC (variant of concern). This variant is currently being investigated and information continually collected to determine its public health implication,” the DOH said.

It also urged the public to follow health protocols and to get inoculated against the illness.

“By following these measures, infection and further mutation of [coronavirus] can be prevented.  A low transmission rate means fewer chances for the virus to mutate,” it said.

The Philippines has reported a total of 1,138,187 confirmed cases, of which 1,062,427 have recovered and 19,051 have died. —LBG GMA News