MANILA, Philippines — Experts from the Department of Health (DOH) have started the research on the new coronavirus variants reportedly originated in South Africa and Malaysia.
A new variant can be detected through genome sequencing on a patient’s sample.
According to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, this procedure will help determine if a new variant is present such as the one identified in Nigeria.
“Whatever types of variants that are existing in this genome that you have tested makikita niyo po dyan—kaya marami na po sigurong naa-identify,” Vergeire said,
Vergeire added that samples from different regions are now being examined to make sure that no other variant exists in the Philippines aside from D614G.
“The initial 300 plus samples that were tested by the Philippine Genome Center were just initial. This is a continuing surveillance system that we had established already. Actually, kahapon po nakausap na natin ang regional offices natin (we already talked to our regional offices yesterday). We are getting samples from the different regions, specifically in Mindanao and Visayas because we would like to see if in these areas meron din po tayong makita at ma- whole genome sequence natin baka sakali ma-determine natin kung may variant tayo dito sa mga lugar na ito (we can find variants in these areas, and subject them to whole-genome sequencing),” the Health Spokesperson explained.
Meanwhile, contract tracing has been completed on individuals who had close contact with the Filipina from Cagayan Valley who was detected with the UK variant of COVID-19 in Hong Kong.
Vergeire said they are awaiting the results of the genome sequencing being done on their swab samples.
“Napadala na ang specimen na ito sa (We have sent the specimens to the) Philippine Genome Center. They are currently quarantined and being monitored, ito pong mga close contact sa (these close contacts from) Solano, Cagayan,” she noted.
“Dito rin naman po sa Maynila dahil alam natin ang individual nagpunta sa Maynila at meron kasi siyang manning agency dito. Lahat po ng close contact nya ay natunton naman po natin (Because we already know that the said individual has gone here in Manila as she has a manning agency here, we have also traced all those she had close contacts with). They were all swabbed and all specimens were sent to the Philippine Genome center for RT- PCR and the genome sequencing,” she added.
The DOH reminded the public that whatever variant of COVID-19 may be reported in different countries, what’s important is for the public to maintain minimum health standards to curb COVID-19 transmission, taking into consideration the risks that the new variant may pose which, according to reports, is more infectious. –MNP (with reports from Aiko Miguel)
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