PRC urges Filipinos to get vaccinated amid Delta variant threat

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is strongly encouraging eligible Filipinos to get vaccinated against COVID-19 due to the increasing threat posed by the highly transmissible Delta variant.

PRC Chairman Senator Richard Gordon stressed the importance of vaccination as the best defense against COVID-19, stating, "Magpabakuna! Mahalaga ang pagpapabakuna upang labanan ang COVID-19."

The Delta variant, which is present in approximately 100 countries, is significantly more contagious than the original strain of the virus and a carrier can infect up to eight people.

National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 medical adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa cited the necessity to vaccinate more people "so the country could stand up against the risks posed by the Delta variant" as health authorities detected 12 more local transmissions, raising the total cases to 47.

These additional cases include six from Central Luzon, two from Calabarzon, one in the Bicol Region, and three in Metro Manila, all of whom have recovered but are still being monitored.

The PRC also emphasized that outbreaks of COVID-19 are often occurring in areas with low vaccination rates, putting unvaccinated individuals at higher risk.

The Philippine Red Cross assured the public that it will maintain its COVID-19 testing services.