The presence of two new variants of the coronavirus may have been a factor in the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila.
Two new COVID-19 variants may be behind surge in cases in Metro Manila, say researchers
The presence of two new variants of the coronavirus may have been a factor in the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila, according to OCTA Research.
Based on OCTA’s March 1 bulletin, the reproduction number in the National Capital Region (NCR) is at 1.5, meaning the virus is continuously spreading. The group also said the surge, while still in its early stages, has spread “very quickly” in a short period.
“While it is not yet in all cities, we’re seeing that the trend is going up, the reproduction number is above 1 and we feel that the virus is spreading,” OCTA Research fellow Ranjit Rye told a virtual news conference.
Health authorities have recently reported six new cases of the South African COVID-19 variant, with three cases traced in Pasay City.
The Philippines has so far recorded 87 cases involving the United Kingdom variant.
However, Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, also a member of the OCTA Research, said there is no “adequate genome surveillance” yet to truly determine the extent of the variants in Metro Manila.
“We would have to model the spread of the variants in the NCR,” he said. “But the estimate is that it will take 6-8 weeks for variants to become dominant. This is based on the experience of other countries in the world.”
The researchers said the LGUs should further intensify their efforts at testing, tracing, and isolation as well as to implement small, targeted lockdowns to reverse the increase in transmissions in their communities.
The public should also continue to follow health protocols and have themselves vaccinated as early as possible, they added. (ONT)