279 more COVID-19 Delta variant cases detected in PH

(REUTERS)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported 279 more cases of the COVID-19 Delta variant, pushing the nationwide total to 2,068.

According to the DOH, 245 of the new Delta variant infections are local cases while 21 were detected from returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs).

Of the 279 new cases, two are still active, 267 others have been tagged as recovered, while eight others have died, the DOH also said.

“[T]he outcome of two cases are being verified. All other details are being validated by the regional and local health offices,” it added.

Based on DOH figures, 51 of the total number of Delta variant cases in the country remain active as of September 3.

Below is the breakdown of the new Delta variant cases:

• National Capital Region – 51
• Ilocos Region – 17
• Cagayan Valley – 17
• Central Luzon – 24
• Calabarzon – 35
• Mimaropa – 9
• Bicol Region – 19
• Western Visayas – 3
• Central Visayas – 5
• Eastern Visayas 14
• Zamboanga Peninsula – 1
• Northern Mindanao 22
• Davao Region – 10
• Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – 5
• Cordillera Administrative Region – 13

The DOH also reported 29 additional cases of the Alpha variant (one active, one death,  27 cases recoveries.)

Meanwhile, the total Alpha variant cases in the country is now 2,424, according to the DOH.

An additional 28 Beta variant infections were also detected, all of which are local cases.

Based on the case list, all have been tagged as recovered. The total number of Beta variant cases now stands at  2,697.

Lastly, 13 additional P.3 variant cases (12 recoveries, 1 death) have likewise been reported by the DOH.

The DOH noted  that a total of 367 samples submitted by 60 laboratories, collecting institutions, and different Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (RESU) were sequenced.

“The country recorded its highest number of cases last September 1, 2021 and consequently breached two million COVID-19 cases on the same date,” the DOH said.

“With the sustained increase in the detection of Delta variant cases, the DOH strongly reiterates to the public the strict adherence to the minimum public health standards as a crucial support to vaccination efforts to prevent further transmission of the COVID-19 and its variants,” it added.

The DOH also enjoined local government units to strengthen their implementation of the Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) and vaccination strategies, especially in Alert Level 3 and 4 areas, impose granular lockdown measures as necessary,  conduct aggressive contact tracing and reduce the interval between testing and isolation.

“The DOH also calls on the private sector to continue the implementation of alternative working arrangements and coordinate with their local government units for workplace testing,” it added.

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