DOH says BARMM to submit samples for genome sequencing

MANILA, Philippines — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will soon submit samples from Covid-19 positive patients for genome sequencing to determine if the more infectious UK virus variant has already reached the region, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

In an online press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they have already spoken with BARMM officials regarding the submission of samples and coordinated with the Office of the Civil Defense so that samples from other regions would be transported to the Philippine Genome Center (PGC).

She said the transportation of samples from certain regions to PGC has been a challenge in testing specimens for genome sequencing.

“Ngayon ang usapan namin (Our agreement now is) they will be submitting for this run and the next runs and they will be focusing on areas with clustering of cases and there is special focus of course doon sa (in) Sabah, sa borders natin (in our borders)” Vergeire said.

“Let’s expect in the coming weeks that BARMM would already provide us with specimens pero kailangan ma-assistihan nga namin sila ukol sa access nila (but we have to assist them) for transport for these specimens to be brought to the Philippine Genome Center,” she added.

To recall, the latest batch of specimens in which PGC detected the UK Covid-19 variant from 12 additional patients were sourced from all regions in the county except BARMM.

The country has so far confirmed a total of 44 cases of the more transmissible new coronavirus variant called the B.1.1.7., which was first detected in the United Kingdom.