DOH confirms 81 Delta variant cases

The Philippines has confirmed a total of 81 Delta variant cases, with 59 local transmissions.

Of the 81 Delta variant cases, 13 were returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and nine are still being verified.

Three Delta variant cases remain active, while 78 have recovered.

Twenty-five of the new local Delta variant cases have addresses in the National Capital Region and CALABARZON.

The DOH reported an additional 11 Alpha variant cases, bringing the total to 1,679.

The DOH also reported 10 new Beta variant cases, bringing the total to 1,840.

An infectious diseases expert advised the public to strictly follow health protocols and get vaccinated, noting that physical distancing and wearing masks and face shields work to interrupt transmission.

The expert warned that the Delta variant has a 1,000-fold higher viral load than the original virus, is three times more contagious, and can be more severe even in young people.