CARAGA REGION – The Department of Health in Caraga Region has confirmed that a covid-19 variant, B117, has now been detected in the region, after some samples brought to the University of the Philippines – Philippine Genome Center for testing, showed a positive result.
The said samples were sent to Philippine Genome Center for whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and one tested positive for B.1.1.7 variant while two were still undergoing further investigations by medical scientists and experts after two mutations were also found. The DOH did not elaborate in its report.
The DOH reported to the media that the confirmed B.1.1.7 variant was that of a Returning Overseas Filipino (ROF) from Bislig City while the other two with mutations were from Buenavista town, Agusan del Norte, and Bislig Cty.
As this developed, the DOH has already deployed its Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) Caraga for tightened probe and further details of the patients who are now under tight monitoring.
The InterAgency Task Force guidelines said all concerned local government units (LGUs) are mandated to implement immediate quarantine control measures to prevent the new covid-19 variant to spread further in the region.Â
The DOH said any case of covid-19 or its variants would need to present a negative RT-PCR before isolation is completed and before a patient can be tagged as as ‘recovered’ from the deadly virus.Â
While those cases of patients who have completed isolations would still be subjected to strict home quarantine while patients wait for the result of the 2nd RT-PCR test.
The DOH-Caraga has also announced to the public to continue to be vigilant and follow the Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS) and to report immediately to health authorities any clusters of cases for immediate actions at the proper time.
