Calabarzon logs 298 COVID-19 Delta variant cases

A healthcare worker conducts a swab test on a woman in Imus, Cavite. Image from OVP

LUCENA CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) has recorded 298 COVID-19 Delta variant cases, according to latest report.

Data sent by Dr. Eduardo Janairo, DOH-Calabarzon director, on Saturday night showed that Laguna topped the list with 85 Delta cases followed by Cavite, 71; Rizal, 62; Batangas, 43; and Quezon, 37.

The latest record showed that 172 of the COVID-19 patients with Delta variant have recovered and eight others died while two had been admitted to medical facilities.

Though, not a single Delta variant case in the Calabarzon remains active according to the data, at least 116 other cases were being subjected “for verification” on their health status as of September 2.

Janairo explained in an online message that the “for verification” tag means that they are still evaluating the origin of the infection and where the virus may have spread, where the patient lives or have stayed for the longest period, check sign and symptoms, history of the disease and many other variables.

At least 263 cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant in the region were locally sourced infection while 34 cases are “returning overseas Filipinos” (ROF). One case is being subjected for verification of the source of infection.

At least 19 of the Delta variant cases in the region are fully vaccinated patients while 25 had their first dose and 54 eligible individuals for vaccination have yet to receive their jabs.

Data showed that 27 other Delta variant cases are not yet qualified to be included in the government vaccination rollout while 173 others are being subjected for verification.

Imus City topped the list in Cavite province with 18 Delta variant cases; Lipa City in Batangas, 14; San Pablo City in Laguna, 15; Cainta town in Rizal, 21; and Lucena City in Quezon, 11.

According to the data, at least 10 of the cases in Lucena, Quezon’s capital, will still be subjected for verification of their present health status. One of the Delta variant cases in this city died.

Early last month, the DOH-Calabarzon has initiated mass antigen testing to all close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 Delta variant cases in the region to prevent the spread of the most virulent mutation of the coronavirus.

The project dubbed as “Project DELTA” (Detect Early Local Transmission through Antigen Testing) is being implemented in areas in the regions where the Delta variant have been identified.

“We need to strengthen the implementation of the prevent, detect, isolate, treat and re-integrate response strategies against the COVID-19 virus,” Janairo said.

EDV