CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) – 7 Center for Health Development has started conducting bio-surveillance for the UK variant of the coronavirus and other variants that may already be in circulation, following the noticeable rise of new cases in the region.
DOH-7 has collected 70 samples from different targeted populations that have met with the criteria for genomic sequencing at the Philippine Genomic Center. These samples were collected from January 30 to February 2.
Aside from this, there have been 10 samples collected from Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and submitted to PGC since December 2020 when travel restrictions were put in place.
Of the 10 samples sent, only one has been confirmed genomically for the UK variant – the ROF from Talisay City who has since been recovered.
The DOH, through Talisay Mayor Gerard Anthony Gullas, has since clarified that the ROF returned to Talisay only after he recovered at a hospital in Cebu City. He was isolated immediately and quarantined upon his arrival at the Mactan Cebu International Airport.
“We expect more variants to come due to the natural activity of coronavirus,” said DOH-7 chief pathologist and spokesperson, Dr. Mary Jean Loreche.
Authorities have been keeping an eye of the UK variant, considering that is has 70 percent more transmissibility than the original SARS-CoV-2. This is also the reason why DOH-7 has collected and submitted samples for bio surveillance.
As of yesterday, Central Visayas has 4,235 total active cases, almost half of which are from Cebu City with 2,043.
Lapu-Lapu City has 341 active cases, Mandaue City has 453, and Cebu Province has 710.
Negros Oriental, on the other hand, has 585 active cases while Bohol Province has 95. Siquijor has eight active cases.
Loreche said genomic sequencing is expensive and takes time, far longer than the current PCR testing. This is why DOH has to set the criteria and category for those who will qualify for samples.
Loreche noted that domestic, local travelers like those arriving in Cebu from Manila are not among the populations considered for genomic testing.
She reminded the public that “No matter the presence or absence of the variant, we still follow the same health measures.”
Further clarification
Meanwhile, clarifying the press release it issued on February 5, DOH said the ROF from Talisay City who arrived last January 18, 2021 was tested and quarantined pending the release of the PCR Test.
When the result turned out to be positive, his sample was sent to the PGC for genomic sequencing, and the result was released on February 5, 2021. Consequently, he was admitted, had recovered, and discharged on February 2, 2021.
The second case that DOH tagged as a resident of the Municipality of Liloan was found, upon investigation, to be in the town only in August 2020 and returned to Manila in November 2020 to process his requirements as an OFW. He has not travelled back to Cebu since then.
“Upon investigation, he has a local address in Liloan, Cebu. He was only home last August 2020 and returned to Manila on November of the same year, to process his requirements as an OFW, and has never traveled back to his hometown since then,” DOH said.
This person tested positive for SARSCOV2 at a private molecular laboratory in Sta. Ana, Manila, the result of which came out on January 17, 2021.
His sample was then brought to PGC for genomic sequencing for the UK variant, and result came out positive on February 5, 2021. — Caecent Noot-Magsumbol, JMO (FREEMAN)