Bulacan has recorded three cases of new variants of COVID-19, according to the province’s health officer on Wednesday.
According to Dr. Hjordis Celis, provincial health officer of Bulacan, detected UK and South African variants in three returning overseas Filipino workers from the Middle East.
“Nung umuwi sila sa Bulacan, nakapag-two weeks quarantine sila sa Bureau of Quarantine. So, na-swab na sila doon, na-contact trace na, na-endorse nang maigi sa LGU, na-contact trace na kanilang mga kasamahan sa bahay at nasa-swab na ang mga ito,” said Celis.
Of the three OFWs, one had a South African variant and two were detected with a UK variant. One also showed mild symptoms while the other two were asymptomatic.
“OK naman kalagayan nila,” said Celis.
Their close contact is also negative for the virus, but they are still waiting for three results.
“Ang hinihintay din ay repeat swab nung mga mismong positive po,” said Celis.
Bulacan records 3 cases of new variants of COVID-19
Bulacan is tightening the implementation of health protocols to curb the increase in COVID-19 cases. Celis said people are already feeling tired and eager to get out of their homes.
“Nakakalimot na silang mag-mask, itinataas na ang mga face shield, na-eenganyo nang pumunta sa mga restaurant kasi nagbukasan na mga restaurants natin. Nakaka-contribute ito sa pgadami ng mga kaso natin, yung pagre-relax ng ating mga tao,” he said.
Although the hospitals have not yet been filled, he said they must be strict so as not to overwhelm the health system of Bulacan.
“Wala pa tayo sa critical level. Kaya pinapahigpitan ang pagpapatrolya ng ating kapulisan at binigyan ng instruction sa mga barangay na maghigpit, lagyan ulit ng checkpoint para paalalahanan ang mga tao, para hindi tayo dumating sa punto na ma-overwhelm yung ating healthcare system,” said Celis.
As elsewhere, localized lockdown is also being implemented in towns and cities, while others are in quarantine facilities that take positive residents to make it easier to monitor and control the spread of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Bulacan continues to vaccinate its healthcare workers with the Sinovac vaccine. So far, they have 430 health workers vaccinated.