Delta variant overtakes other COVID-19 strains in PH

The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) reported that the Delta variant is overtaking other COVID-19 variants in the Philippines.

The PGC observed a steep increase in the proportion of sequenced Delta variant cases, noting a 42 percent increase from June to July.

Dr. Cynthia Saloma of PGC stated that the proportion of variants of concern in sequenced samples reached over 90 percent since April 2021.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines previously confirmed community transmission of the Delta variant and declared it the dominant strain.

Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe of WHO Philippines had indicated that nearly 70% of recent genome-sequenced samples tested positive for the Delta variant.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reported that the prevalence of the Delta variant significantly increased from 6% in June to 56% in August.

This surge in Delta variant cases aligns with the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases observed starting in July.

The Delta variant has been identified in 17 regions throughout the Philippines, except for the Bangsamoro region.