Bontoc Villages On Lockdown Over UK COVID-19 Variant Cluster
BONTOC VILLAGES ON LOCKDOWN – Health authorities detected a cluster of the new COVID-19 variant from the UK in at least two villages in Bontoc Town, Mountain Province. As such, a lockdown was imposed as health facilities near a “danger zone”.
Recently, the first case of the UK coronavirus variant was detected by a passenger who came back from Dubai. Since the detection, the Department of Health conducted contract tracing and isolation for close contacts of the patient.
Meanwhile, in the Cordillera region, Dr. Edsel Salvana, reported a total of 12 cases of the new virus strain on Friday night from a single barangay. According to the doctor, the cluster was “related” to each other.
According to an article from ABS-CBN, Dr. Ruby Constantino, Cordillera’s DOH Regional Director said stricter quarantines may be required if health facilities become overwhelmed.
Currently, the local LGU of Bontoc municipality implemented the lockdown of the involved barangays, but as per our meeting last night… if ever our health care utilization rate will continue to increase, they might recommend to the IATF the changing of our quarantine status from MGCQ
All UK COVID-19 variant patients are under isolation. Among the patients were seven males, five females, 3 minors, and 3 seniors. However, the earliest case fell ill on December 31, she explained.
Furthermore, the cases are included in the 16 total confirmed new cases of the UK variant in the Philippines. With this, the total number of confirmed cases in the country is raised to 17.
But, according to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, 13 of these patients have already recovered. Meanwhile, 13 are still ill with 3 asymptomatic and 10 having mild symptoms of the virus.
READ ALSO: Malacañang Speaks On Possibility of Lockdown Over UK Variant of COVID-19
