DOH deploys contact tracers to Bontoc amid UK COVID variant cases

The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed contact tracers to Bontoc, Mountain Province, to assist in identifying contacts of residents who tested positive for the UK COVID-19 variant.

A total of 35 contact tracers from DOH Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Ilocos Region have arrived, with 20 more expected from DOH Regions 2 and 3.

These tracers, along with local government teams, will conduct intensive tracing of close contacts, secondary contacts, and potential tertiary contacts of the 12 confirmed UK variant cases in Bontoc.

The DOH tracers underwent PCR testing to ensure they are COVID-19 free and are complying with local entry protocols.

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III confirmed that the 12 UK variant cases in Bontoc consist of seven males and five females, including three individuals below 18 and three above 60 years old.

The youngest among the affected is a five-year-old child, with 11 cases from Barangay Samoki and one from Barangay Bontoc Ili.

An additional case of the UK variant was also identified in La Trinidad, Benguet.

In response, Bontoc Mayor Franklyn Odsey has placed Barangays Bontoc Ili, Caluttit, and Poblacion under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from January 25 to 31.