FILE PHOTO: Colorized scanning electron micrograph of an apoptotic cell (red) infected with SARS-COV-2 virus particles (yellow), also known as novel coronavirus, isolated from a patient sample. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH/Handout via REUTERS.
MANILA, Philippines — Two additional cases of the highly contagious Delta variant have been detected in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday. This increased total Delta variant infections in the Philippines to 19 as of July 5.
The two cases were also part of the total 256 patients recently found to be infected with different variants of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the deadly illness COVID-19.
According to DOH, the two latest Delta variant cases were Filipinos with travel history from Saudi Arabia who arrived in the Philippines on May 29 and completed the 10-day isolation period.
The DOH, however, said the two patients have already recovered and been discharged from the quarantine facility.
Further, DOH reported the detection of 132 new cases of the more infectious Alpha variant, which was first detected in the United Kingdom.
Of the number, 125 are local cases, one was a returning overseas Filipino, and six others were still being verified if they are local or overseas cases.
The DOH said 15 of these cases have succumbed to COVID-19 while 117 have been tagged as recovered.
The 132 new cases brought the tally of Alpha variant infections in the country to 1,217.
The health agency likewise reported the detection of 119 new cases of the Beta variant, which was first detected in South Africa. Of the new cases, 111 were local cases, two were returning overseas Filipinos and six were still being verified if they are local or overseas cases.
Three of the newly detected Beta variant cases were tagged active, 104 have recovered, while 12 have died, the DOH said. The 119 new cases brought the Beta variant infections in the country to 1,386 as of July 5.
Meanwhile, three new cases of the Theta variant were also reported and have been tagged as recovered.
The DOH said the Theta variant is “not identified as a variant of concern since more data is needed to conclude whether the variant will have significant public health implications.”
It nevertheless reminded all fully vaccinated individuals to continue following minimum public health standards to avoid transmission of COVID-19.
“Mass gatherings are especially discouraged regardless of vaccination status, as these are the main drivers of outbreaks among unvaccinated persons in countries with relatively high vaccination rates,” the DOH said in a statement.
“The DOH is also committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that border control measures are strictly implemented,” it added.
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