Arjohn Gangoso, health education and promotion officer of the Department of Health-Region 12 (PNA GenSan file photo)
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) advised residents to be extra vigilant and step up their compliance with the minimum public health standards in the wake of the detection of a confirmed case here of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) mutant strain that was first identified in the United Kingdom (UK).
Arjohn Gangoso, DOH-Region 12 health education and promotion officer, said Wednesday the Covid-19 variant is more contagious than the original strain based on recent studies and its spread could be faster if people are not properly protected.
But he said the prevention measures are still the same, specifically the proper wearing of face mask and face shield, regular disinfection, and observance of safe physical distancing.
“The public should not panic and cooperate instead with our local authorities because this variant will only spread if we are not following the health protocols,” he told reporters.
The city government, through Mayor Ronnel Rivera, confirmed on Monday night the detection of the first case of B.1.1.7 or UK variant involving a returning resident of Barangay San Isidro.
The patient is a 58-year-old male who worked in the National Capital Region and was able to travel to the city since he is considered an authorized person outside of residence (APOR).
Gangoso said they are closely monitoring the patient’s status and other ongoing interventions through the City Health Office.
He said the intensified surveillance is ongoing in the entire region for the other possible cases of the Covid-19 variants.
The DOH-12’s epidemiology and surveillance unit has been working with the rural health units to ensure the proper evaluation of positive cases detected in the area, he said.
Gangoso said samples from patients covered by the bio-surveillance criteria or those from areas and countries with high cases of the Covid-19 variants are all sent to the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center for sequencing and analysis.
“While waiting for the results, the concerned patients and their identified close contacts are properly managed and isolated by our health workers,” he said.
Aside from the confirmed UK variant here, the DOH central office reported last week a case of the P.1 or the strain from Brazil involving a returning overseas Filipino worker from the region.
DOH-12 said it is currently verifying the status of the patient, who was reportedly found positive in Metro Manila, and if the latter has already returned to the area. (PNA)
