Local transmission of Delta variant in PH detected

According to [Philippine Daily Inquirer], health authorities have detected the local transmission of the highly infectious Delta COVID-19 variant in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) announced Thursday night.

This was found through a phylogenetic analysis conducted by the Philippine Genome Center and case investigation by the DOH Epidemiology Bureau and the regional and local epidemiology and surveillance units, DOH said.

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“Clusters of Delta variant cases were seen to be linked to other local cases, therefore, exhibiting local transmission,” it said.

“Both the national and local governments have been continuously working together to intensify the implementation of the prevent, detect, isolate, treat, and re-integrate response strategies and increase the country’s health system capacity to be able to manage cases,” it said.

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DOH likewise assured that the government has been ensuring that there are enough COVID-19-dedicated wards, ICUs, and isolation beds in the country. It is also preparing enough supplies of medicine, oxygen tanks, and critical care equipment in hospitals and augmentation of human resources.

According to [Philippine Daily Inquirer], the health agency reminded the public to continue following strict public health protocols to stem the spread of the virus, as well as avoid unnecessary travels and gatherings.