At least 48 confirmed cases of Covid-19 variants of concern have been recorded in Eastern Visayas (Region 8) since July, the Department of Health reported on Wednesday.
The B.1.1.63 (HK Lineage) variant has the highest number of cases with 11 followed by the Delta variant with 10 cases, the Beta variant with eight infections, Alpha variant, and P.3 (VUI) with seven patients each, B.1 with four cases, and B.1.1.28 with one infection.
All the six provinces — Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte — and the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc have recorded cases of more transmissible Covid-19 variant of concerns.
Despite the detection of new variants, Roderick Boyd Cerro, DOH Region 8 surveillance nurse, said based on their findings, there is low evidence of local transmission of variants of concern in the region.
“The main challenge in detecting the presence of these new variants in the region is the low submission of samples for genomic sequencing,” Cerro said in a phone interview.
To prevent the further spread of Covid-19 cases in other areas that has no recorded variants of concern and cluster of cases, Cerro said among their recommendation is to strengthen contact tracing, step up the collection or testing and submission of samples for genomic sequencing.
The health department reminded the public to limit physical interactions with others, avoid mass gatherings, and keep a physical distance of at least one meter from each other.
The agency also reiterated the importance of border control, wearing face masks and face shields when out in public, regular handwashing, and the observance of cough etiquette to prevent the spread of the virus.
As of Aug. 10, the region has already recorded 37,498 confirmed Covid-19 cases, including 35,710 recoveries, and 429 deaths. This brings the total active cases to 1,359, according to DOH.
Source: Philippines News Agency
