DOH yet to confirm local transmission of South African virus variant

Published March 06, 2021 01:43 PM By JAMIL SANTOS, GMA News

The Department of Health (DOH) is still trying to find out if there is already a local transmission of the South Africa variant in the country following the detection of more than 50 cases, its spokesperson said on Saturday.

"Hindi pa ho natin masabi 'yan sa ngayon," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said at a Laging Handa briefing.

Vergeire said an epidemiological investigation is currently being undertaken after the department coordinated with the World Health Organization (WHO) for surveillance and analysis of the variant.

"Makakapagbigay po tayo ng ganiyang impormasyon within the coming days 'pag nakumpleto na natin ang detalye ng lahat ng nabigyan o na-detect ng variant na ito," she said.

The Philippines on Friday detected the more transmissible South Africa coronavirus variant

in 52 COVID-19 cases and the United Kingdom variant in 31 additional patients.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said 41 of the 52 newly reported South Africa variant cases are from Metro Manila, while the location of the 11 other cases is still being verified.

Vergeire urged local governments to provide a localized response, and the public to follow the minimum health standards.

"Kailangan ho nating baguhin ang pananaw ng ating mga kababayan. Oo may mga variants tayo ngayon na na-detect natin, pero ang kailangan nating isipin, kaya po nagkaroon ng kaso ay because we did not comply to the health protocols," she said.

"Kung nakikita natin na patuloy-tuloy ang non-compliance to minimum health protocols, definitely tataas ang kaso. And the variants are just aggravating factors," Vergeire added.

Vergeire said the IATF is set to meet this Saturday, with members of the DOH, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Metro Manila mayors, to discuss the National Capital Region's response to prevent the spread of COVID-19 variants. -MDM, GMA News

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