PH confirms first local Lambda variant case

The Philippines confirmed its first local case of the COVID-19 Lambda variant, a strain first detected in Peru, in a 35-year-old pregnant woman from Western Visayas.

The patient, who has since recovered and whose newborn baby also tested negative, had no symptoms but was closely monitored due to her pregnancy.

Health officials stated that the virus does not cross the placental barrier and that current vaccines remain effective against the Lambda variant.

While the Lambda variant is highly transmissible, it is not as transmissible as the Delta variant.

The Department of Health (DOH) is investigating how the patient contracted the variant, as she has no history of travel.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is increasing border control operations following the detection of the Lambda variant.