DOH: Philippines yet to detect Delta subvariant

The Philippines has yet to detect cases of Delta coronavirus subvariant or the AY 4.2 subvariant, which is reported in European nations and in Israel, the Department of Health said Thursday.

"As of this moment, experts are still studying the potential impact of the Delta sublineage on  the transmissibility and severity of COVID-19. The particular Delta sublineage has not yet been detected among the COVID-19 positive samples sequenced in the country," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire said in a statement.

Despite this, Vergeire said there must still be vigilance on all COVID-19 cases, adding that each case must be isolated immediately.

"Each case must be immediately isolated and contact traced upon detection. Current evidence also showed that the presence or absence of a variant of interest or concern among cases do not dictate the appropriate clinical management. We should always remain vigilant against COVID-19, moreso that we are safely reopening our economy,” she said.

Moreover, the Health official reminded public to continue strict compliance with the minimum public health standards, which will risk transmission to COVID-19.

She, likewise, reminded that those included in the eligible or adult population must get vaccinated against COVID-19.

"Proper wearing of face mask and face shield, frequent hand washing or sanitizing, avoiding crowded places and observing physical distancing, and ensuring there is proper ventilation in our homes, workplaces, and public transportation are non-pharmaceutical interventions that all of us can do to ensure that we and everyone around us are safe," said Vergeire.

"Getting fully-vaccinated is also another layer of protection that can help us from getting severe COVID-19,” she further pointed out.

Health Chief Francisco Duque III earlier said the DOH was waiting for more data from the international health organizations regarding the subvariant. 

Dr. Edsel Salvana, a member of the Department of Health (DOH) Technical Advisory Group, said there was no need to panic as experts are still conducting study on the new sublineage. -NB, GMA News