Robredo warns of ‘third surge’ as local COVID-19 Delta variant cases rise

Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday warned of a third surge in COVID-19 cases if measures against the more transmissible Delta variant are not taken.

In her weekly radio program, Robredo said authorities must be able to decrease COVID-19 infections as the country recorded an average of 6,000 new cases daily, which is the same number of new cases in March 2021.

"Kung ang base natin mga 5,000=6,000 cases, kapag nagka-third surge, grabe. Pagtulong tulungan natin para hindi mangyari," said Robredo.

(If we have a base of 5,000-6,000 cases, when we get a third surge it will be worse. So let's work together to prevent this.)

Robredo added that general community quarantine and modified enhanced community quarantine can be placed in certain areas, but the implementation of safety protocols should not be neglected.

Furthermore, the government should improve its vaccination rollout. She proposed prioritizing vaccination of single-dose Johnson&Johnson in areas with Delta variant.

“Sana unahin ‘yong may danger na magkaroon ng maraming transmission ng Delta variant, para maunahan nila ‘yong transmission,” Robredo said, adding that with the 3.2 million doses of J&J can already fully vaccinate 3.2 million Filipinos.

(I hope we prioritize those areas where we are likely to see Delta variant cases, so they would beat its transmission.)

There should also be more support for the Philippine Genome Center to fast track the detection of COVID-19 variants, she added.

With only 3.5 million Filipinos fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Robredo also called for more COVID-19 jabs in provinces as more people said they are willing to get vaccinated.

"Pero ngayon nabawasan na yung mga ayaw (magpabakuna). Problema na ngayon lalo na sa provinces, ang problema ay supply," Robredo said.

(Those hesitant to get vaccinated are now decreasing. The problem now is the supply.)

Results from pollsters Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia showed that more Filipinos were willing to get vaccinated.

The Philippines reported 16 new Delta variant cases including 11 local cases. Out of the 11 local cases, two were detected in Metro Manila, six in region 10, two in Region 6, and one was tested in Metro Manila but had an address in Region 3. — DVM, GMA News