WITH both the B.1.1.7 (UK) and the B.1.351 (South Africa) variants detected in the National Capital Region, the Department of Health (DOH) has ordered a special genome sequencing for samples from Metro Manila.
In a television interview, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they have requested the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) to make a “unique run” of “about 140 specimens… from most of NCR cities.”
Vergeire said the special test aims to determine the extent of the presence of other COVID-19 variants in the country’s capital region.
“This is so that we can be able to determine better if the other cities already have this type of variants,” she said, noting that in Metro Manila, four South African variant cases and one UK variant case have been detected.
The DOH had reported that there are currently 87 UK variant cases and six South African variant cases in the country.
According to Vergeire, the number of South African variant cases in Pasay City has already increased to four.
This means, she explained, that of the six South African variant cases found, four are from Pasay City and two are returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs).
Of the four local cases, Vergeire said two live in the same compound, with one found to be working in a laboratory; while the third one is a seaman but is considered as a local case.
“We are still trying to do this investigation so that we can find possible links and connection between and among these individuals,” she said.
As to the continued rise in UK variant cases, Vergeire said there remains insufficient data to declare a community transmission.
“Nothing is certain at this point. You cannot have a definite conclusion until we complete our investigation. As of this time, we cannot conclude and say there is community transmission, although we are looking at a possible local transmission,” said Vergeire.
The DOH has previously declared the presence of a local transmission of the UK variant in Bontoc, Mountain Province.
