Two returning overseas Filipinos who were earlier tagged to have recovered from the Delta COVID-19 variant tested positive again for the same strain.
They were among the eight active cases of the more transmissible COVID-19 variant in the country.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the eight patients were all asymptomatic.
Apart from the two returning OFWs, four other cases came from Cagayan de Oro, one each in Manila and Misamis Oriental.
The DOH has so far recorded 35 Delta COVID-19 cases. Of this number, 11 were considered local cases.
Research group OCTA fears that there could be a local transmission of the highly contagious DELTA COVID-19 variant in the country. The group made the statement after the DOH confirmed local cases of the said variant.
Despite this, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III said continued repatriation was necessary to prevent congestion at OFW shelters abroad.
“Kung ihihinto natin mapupuno ang ating shelters. Habang nandoon sila kailangan natin tulungan ang mga OFW,” Bello said.
The government extended travel restrictions on India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, Oman until July 31. Indonesia was also added to the list due to the Delta variant outbreak.
