Bicol Region – Additional cases of COVID-19 Variants reported in the Bicol Region amid surge of COVID-19 cases; continuous practice of MPHS urged.
The Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD) reports additional cases of the COVID-19 Variants of Concern (VOC). This is based on the genomic sequencing result from the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) received by the Bicol Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) on September 3, 2021.
A total of twenty-eight (28) local cases of variants of concern were counted for Bicol Region on September 3, 2021. Four (4) cases of the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), five (5) cases of the Beta variant (B.1.351) and nineteen (19) cases of the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) as follows:
Alpha Variant:
2 – Catanduanes
1 – Masbate
1 – Sorsogon
Beta Variant:
1 – Albay
1 – Camarines Sur
1 – Catanduanes
1- Masbate
1- Sorsogon
Delta Variant:
3 – Albay
3 – Camarines Norte
2 – Camarines Sur
4 – Naga City
5 – Masbate
2 – Sorsogon
As of September 6, 2021, Bicol has registered a total of 134 variants of concern. Three VOCs previously listed in Poblacion in Libon, Albay, Mantalisay in Libmanan, Camarines Sur and Cogon in Gubat, Sorsogon were removed from the list. Verification revealed that the 2 cases from Albay and Camarines Sur were Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs), while the case in Sorsogon is a local seafarer and now resides in another region.
The province of Albay now has a total of twenty-eight (28) cases of VOCs; Camarines Norte has ten (10); Camarines Sur has fifty (50); Catanduanes has fourteen (14); Masbate has twenty (20); and Sorsogon has twelve (12).
Bicol Region is also experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases with an average of 300 cases a day. Some hospitals in the region are almost at full capacity. With this, DOH Bicol continuously urges the public to cooperate by following the Minimum Public Health Standards which are still the best preventive measures against all variants and mutations of COVID-19. Religiously practice wearing of mask and face shield properly, maintain physical distancing of 1 meter or more, and practice hand hygiene. It is also important to stay at home and be with your family, refrain from attending all forms of social gatherings and avoid poorly ventilated rooms.
It is also noted that COVID-19 patients who experience severe and critical symptoms are those who are unvaccinated. Although vaccination does not stop an individual from being infected with the virus, it lessens the risk of severe and critical symptoms, which may lead to death. Hence, it is vital to get oneself vaccinated against COVID-19. Health workers, senior citizens and persons with comorbidities must receive their COVID-19 vaccines to protect themselves and their loved ones from severe forms of COVID-19.
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(Source: DOH Bicol CHD PRESS RELEASE)
PR No: 2021-0041