DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire talks with reporters via Zoom meeting in this file photo taken on April 23, 2020. INQUIRER.net file photo / Daphne Galvez
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said that the subvariant of the more contagious COVID-19 Delta variant has not reached the Philippines yet.
According to the DOH, its biosurveillance activities has been closely monitoring 46 sublineages of the Delta variant, and has so far not detected the AY.4.2 sublineage.
The AY.4.2 is a subvariant feared to be more contagious than the original variation of the Delta variant.
“As of this moment, experts are still studying the potential impact of the Delta sublineage on the transmissibility and severity of COVID-19. The particular Delta sublineage has not yet been detected among the COVID-19 positive samples sequenced in the country,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire in a statement.
Vergeire then reminded the public to remain vigilant especially now that the country is slowly reopening its economy.
“Our proper adherence to the minimum public health standards is still our best protection and is the best way to curb the transmission, prevent the spread of the variants and slow down the appearance of mutations…” said Vergeire
Getting fully-vaccinated is also another layer of protection that can help us from getting severe COVID-19,” she added.
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