Zamboanga City – The City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor D. Miravite said, that there is a possibility that a new Covid variant is here in the city due to the increasing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases.
“There is no evidence of a new Covid variant but we continue to monitor. Due to the increasing cases posible chene,” Miravite said.
She said if this is a new variant, this is more transmissible and infectious.
The office is also sending samples to the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) for genome sequencing.
In the Philippines, currently there are three variants the United Kingdom (B117), South African variants (B1351), and Brazil variant (P1).
All of these variants cause the increased transmissibility of Covid 19.
Currently the city has 4,689 Covid cases, 4,104 recovered, 387 active cases, and 201 deaths.
She said, the increase of active cases culd be brought about by the new variant, some are not following the health protocols, and more gatherings.
Because of these the city health officer is advising everyone to strictly follow health protocols. The use of facemask, face shield, physical distancing, and frequent hand sanitation. (R.G. Antonet A. Go)
