Health Secretary Francisco Duque III gives his report on the COVID-19 situation during the taped briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. (File photo from an RTVM video posted on Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has so far been “effective” in preventing the entry of the more dangerous Delta variant of COVID-19 into communities, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said early Wednesday during the weekly Palace briefing on the COVID-19 situation in the country.
So far, there is no evidence of local cases of the Delta variant in the country, Duque said.
“So by in large, we have been effective in preventing the introduction of Delta variant into households and into communities. So still don’t have it. And we hope to keep it that way,” he said, speaking partly in Filipino.
As of July 5, there are 19 cases of Delta variant infections in the country, according to Department of Health (DOH).
The two latest Delta variant cases are Filipinos who came from Saudi Arabia and arrived in the Philippines on May 29. They have completed the required 10-day isolation period and have recovered. They have been discharged from the quarantine facility, according to the DOH.