BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Health in Caraga Region (DOH-13) on Thursday said 11 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) variants have been recorded in the area based on the test results received from the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center.
“Of the 68 samples, 11 were positive for Covid-19 variants, one B.1.1.7 first detected in the UK, two B.1.351 first detected in South Africa, and eight P.3, first detected in the Philippines,” DOH-13 said in a statement.
DOH-13 said the confirmed case of B.1.1.7 variant is a resident of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, while the rest of the cases are Butuan residents. All the patients are asymptomatic, it added.
“Upon initial investigation, these cases are Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs), Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs), and close contacts of LSIs with no travel history outside Caraga,” the agency said.
“They have already completed their prescribed quarantine period and discharged from their respective quarantine facilities. Monitoring and tracing of their close contacts are being conducted by the concerned local government units (LGUs),” DOH-13 said.
DOH-13 Director Dr. Cesar C. Cassion appealed to residents to strictly adhere to health protocols, the consistent wearing of masks and face shields, frequent handwashing, maintaining social distancing, and listening to verified sources of information.
“Moreover, we call upon the priority eligible groups such as front-liners, senior citizens, and those with comorbidities to coordinate with your respective health units for enlistment to our ongoing vaccination program against Covid-19, to get an additional layer of protection,” Cassion said. (PNA)
