THE Department of Health (DOH), the University of the Philippines – Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC), and the University of the Philippines – National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) report today that of the 744 samples sequenced, 702 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant cases (94.35%) and nine Delta (B.1.617.2) variant cases (1.21%) were detected in the whole genome sequencing run last January 30, 2022.
In addition, 936 samples from the sequencing run of UP-PGC Diliman, UP-PGC Visayas, and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) last February 6, 2022 yielded 867 Omicron variant cases (92.63%) and seven (0.75%) Delta variant cases.
The DOH, UP-PGC, and UP-NIH also announce that UP-PGC Visayas has recently concluded a successful initial sequencing run of 94 samples from Western Visayas and can now regularly sequence samples. This sequencing facility will mainly accommodate samples from the Visayas regions.
OMICRON VARIANT CASES
The 1,569 Omicron variant cases were composed of 1,458 local cases, 76 Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs), and 35 cases whose indicated addresses are being verified. Based on the case line list, 72 cases are still active, four (4) cases have died, 1,403 cases have been tagged as recovered, while there are 90 cases whose outcomes are still being verified.
As of date, there are a total of nine (9) deaths among confirmed Omicron cases, while the total number of confirmed Omicron variant cases is now 2,722. Among these cases, 499 were reported to have been fully vaccinated, 11 were partially vaccinated, 15 were unvaccinated, and 2,197 are those whose vaccination status are currently being verified. Vaccination status of these cases were from reports of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (ESUs).
DELTA VARIANT CASES
The additional 16 Delta variant cases were local cases. Based on the case line list, two (2) cases are still active while 14 cases have been tagged as recovered.
The total number of confirmed Delta variant cases is now 8,663. Among these cases, 628 were reported to have been fully vaccinated, 230 were partially vaccinated, 536 were unvaccinated, and 7,269 are those whose vaccination status are currently being verified. Vaccination status of these cases were from reports of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (ESUs).
The DOH remains relentless in helping the country grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As cases continue to decrease, continued adherence to minimum public health standards and increased vaccination efforts remain vital to strengthen our protection and fight against the virus. Together, we can take closer steps in reaching the end of the pandemic and protecting the Filipino people.
