DOH Caraga confirms yesterday that from the samples sent to the University of the Philippines Philippine Genome Center of the Department of Health for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), one (1) tested positive for the B.1.1.7 variant while two (2) have mutations under investigation.
The confirmed B.1.1.7 variant sample belongs to a Returning Overseas Filipino in Bislig City while the 2 other samples with mutations under investigation are residents of Bislig City and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. With these findings, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) is currently deployed to further investigate case profile details.
“We are closely coordinating with the Local Chief Executives and health authorities of the concerned LGUs. These findings are significant in our next steps to combat COVID-19 especially now that these mutations are detected in Caraga. Our concerned LGUs are now taking actions relative to the quarantine protocol standards,” Regional Director Cesar Cassion said.
Based on the IATF guidelines, all concerned LGUs are to implement the necessary quarantine and control measures. Cases positive for any variant should have a negative RT-PCR on or after the end of their isolation before being tagged as recovered. Moreover, cases after having been released from isolation must still undergo strict home quarantine pending a negative repeat RT-PCR test.
At present, all these cases are asymptomatic. The B.1.1.7 variant case is still on quarantine in the LGU identified quarantine facility while the two other cases have completed the 14-day quarantine period without manifesting any signs or symptom but are still for repeat RT-PCR test.
With this current situation, DOH Caraga calls for everyone to be more vigilant and consistently comply to the Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS); and report immediately to health authorities for any clustering of cases for immediate, timely and appropriate action.
“We strongly reiterate to the public to strictly continue executing the health protocols primarily wearing of face masks and face shield, frequent hand washing, physical distancing and listening to verified news sources,” the health chief concluded. (RPN DXKS Surigao via DOH Caraga)