DOH REPORTS 21 NEW COVID-19 VARIANTS IN CARAGA

outside their area and eight are close contacts of previously confirmed cases. Currently, out of the 21, eighteen (18) are already asymptomatic and back to their normal daily routine, while one is still recovering at home.

The Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development - Caraga on June 4 reports the 21 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variant cases in the region based on the latest results of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) received from the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center. Of the samples sent, 13 samples tested positive for B.1.351 (first detected in South Africa), seven for B.1.1.7 (first detected in UK) and one for P.3 (first detected in the Philippines). The confirmed B.1.351 cases are locals of the following areas: Bislig City (7), Lianga, SDS (4), Cortes, SDS (1) and Tandag City (1). While the confirmed B.1.1.7 cases are from Barobo, Surigao del Sur (2), Butuan City (2), Esperanza, Agusan del Sur (1), Lianga, Surigao del Sur (1) and Madrid, Surigao del Sur (1). The confirmed P.3 variant case is a resident of Tandag City.

Initial investigation showed that among these 21 variant cases, 13 have no travel history

Cassion

Two cases with the B.1.351 variant died while admitted in the hospital - one (1) from Bislig City and another from Cortes, Surigao del Sur.

The concerned local health authorities, in close coordination with DOH CHD-Caraga are currently implementing the mandatory quarantine and control measures including rigorous tracing of the 1st - 3rd generation close contacts and reswabbing of confirmed cases with COVID-19 variants, per DOH DM 2021-0128.

“With the increasing cases and continuous emergence of COVID-19

variants of concern in the region, we are appealing to the Caraganons to strictly adhere to the health protocols and minimum public health standards,” said DOH Caraga Regional Director Cesar Cassion. “We also strongly encourage immediate vaccine uptake once the vaccines are available to your respective priority eligible group. Let us remember that by following these health measures, transmission across population and further mutation of COVID-19 can be prevented. So, let us continue to be vigilant and work together to end this pandemic,” he added. (DOH Caraga/ PIA Caraga)