DOH to regions with rising COVID cases: Submit more samples for genome testing

FILE PHOTO: This undated transmission electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2, also known as novel coronavirus, the virus that causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S. NIAID-RML/Handout via REUTERS.

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has asked health authorities in Mimaropa, Cagayan Valley, Soccsksargen, and other regions showing an increase in COVID-19 cases to submit more samples for the testing of COVID-19 variants.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday that the DOH has advised the said regions to submit more samples for whole genome sequencing to identify if the variants of concern are causing an increase in some of their cities and provinces.

“One of the objectives of whole genome sequencing is for us to determine the factors why specific areas have increase in cases,” Vergeire said in an online press briefing.

In its report last Saturday, OCTA Research, which monitors the trends of COVID-19 cases in the country, noted that “significant increases” in infections were reported in Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Nueva Vizcaya and South Cotabato.

“Special mention is Palawan, which had a 67% positivity rate (77% in Puerto Princesa),” the research group added. Vergeire said Puerto Princesa is considered “high risk” in terms of COVID-19 cases.

Meanwhile, for Tuguegarao City, Vergeire noted that the recent batch of genome sequencing also detected cases of the more transmissible B.1.1.7 variant first detected in the United Kingdom. Tuguegarao was earlier flagged by OCTA for having a high daily attack rate.

“This might explain why cases are increasing in Tuguegarao,” said Vergeire.

Vergeire said the DOH always advises local government units seeing clustering of cases in their areas to submit more samples for genome sequencing to identify if the variants are causing the increase in infection rate.

JPV