President Rodrigo Duterte warns of tougher restrictions amid the threat of the highly transmissible Delta COVID-19 variant.
Duterte issued the warning as the Philippines recorded 35 cases of the dreaded variant.
“The reported local cases in the country is a call for serious alarm and concern,” he said.
“We may need to reimpose stricter restrictions to avoid mass gatherings and avoid super spreader events,” Duterte added.
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The Chief Executive also mentioned the cases of neighboring Asian countries which are now grappling due to the surge triggered by the variant.
“I urge the DILG… to impose existing restrictions with greater urgency,” Duterte said.
The President also stressed the need to get vaccinated as protection against the virus.
Two returning overseas Filipinos were among the eight active cases of the Delta COVID-19 variant in the country after retesting.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the cases showed no symptoms or were asymptomatic.
Four of the cases came from Cagayan de Oro, one each in Manila and Misamis Oriental, and two are returning overseas Filipinos.
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The DOH has so far recorded 35 Delta COVID-19 cases. 11 are considered local cases.
Research group OCTA fears that there could be local transmission of the highly contagious DELTA COVID-19 variant in the country.
The group made the statement after the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed local cases of the said variant.
“Malamang may local transmission na ‘yan. Meron na ‘yan kasi may local cases na tayo na walang travel history,” Professor Guido David said in an ABS-CBN interview. (TDT)
