The Department of Health (DOH), the University of the Philippines – Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC), and the University of the Philippines – National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) today report the detection of 17 Delta (B.1.617.2) variant cases, 11 Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant cases, 13 Beta (B.1.351) variant cases, and two P.3 variant cases on the latest batch of whole genome sequencing.

ON DELTA VARIANT CASES:

Of the additional 17 Delta variant cases, 12 are local cases, one Returning Overseas Filipino (ROF), while four cases are currently being verified if these are local or ROF cases. Of the 12 local cases, nine had an indicated address in the National Capital Region and three were in CALABARZON. Three cases remain active and 14 cases have been tagged as recovered. The outcomes are being validated by our regional and local health offices. This brings the total Delta variant cases to 64.

ON ALPHA VARIANT CASES:

Of the additional 11 Alpha variant cases detected, 10 were local cases and one is currently being verified if this is a local or ROF case. Based on the case line list, one remains active, seven cases have died, and three cases have been tagged as recovered. This brings the total Alpha variant cases to 1,679.

ON BETA VARIANT CASES:

Of the additional 13 Beta variant cases, 10 were local cases and three cases are currently being verified if they are local or ROF cases. Based on the case line list, one is still active, two have died, and 10 have recovered. The total Beta variant cases are now at 1,840.

ON P.3 VARIANT CASES:

The additional P.3 variant cases are a local case and another who is being verified if this is a local or ROF case. Both cases have been tagged as recovered.

The DOH reported that the samples taken from seafarers of M/V Tug Clyde and Barge Claudia have been included in the next batch of whole genome sequencing.

Following the announcement of a local transmission of the Delta variant, the DOH emphasized the need to ensure active case finding, aggressive contact tracing, increased risk-based and targeted testing, and the immediate isolation/quarantine of suspect/probable cases and close contacts. The public is advised to strictly adhere to the minimum public health standards, get vaccinated, and complete their doses as scheduled.