In a press briefing on Monday, June 21, 2021, Secretary Harry Roque advised those who are suitable for vaccination to get their shots. He explained that this is to protect one’s self against new COVID-19 variants, most notably the Delta Variant that was first reported in India.
“Dito sa Delta variant, yung mga pupuwede na magpabakuna, magpabakuna na kayo. Huwag na kayong mag-alinlangan dahil kung hindi, ang sigurado po tayo, mas nakakahawa, mas nakakamatay itong Delta variant. Samantala, ang sigurado din tayo, walang bakuna na ibibigay sa atin na hindi napatunayang ligtas at epektibo,” Roque said
Roque also emphasized the importance of strict implementation of border control to avert the Delta variant from entering the country and spreading to the community.
“Humihingi po tayo ng pasensya sa ating mga umuuwing mga Pilipino, pero ito lang po talaga ang tanging pamamaraan para mapigilan ang pagpasok ng Delta variant,” said Roque
Roque also stressed the need for strict implementation of the the national testing and quarantine protocols because of these new variants.
“Sa ngayon po, ini-impose po natin ang mandatory 10-day facility quarantine at mandatory PCR test on the seventh day. At yung natitirang apat na araw po ay kinakailangan strict home quarantine pa rin po yan,” according to Sec. Roque.
In the stated press briefing, Dr. Cynthia Saloma, Executive Director of the Philippine Genome Center, explained that 17 cases of the Delta variant have been identified in the Philippines, but no community transmissions have been recorded so far. She also added that the Delta variant is said to be 60% more transmissible, can be transmitted up to eight persons.
It was also explained by Dr. Saloma that all cases of the Delta variant that were identified through genome surveillance, were from international travelers. She insured that since all of the cases were caught in ports of entry and in quarantine areas, the cases were immediately contained.
While on the topic of face shields, Sec. Roque explained that what the IATF appealed is the continued use of face shields indoors and in public transportation.
“Hindi na po inapela yung pagsusuot ng face shield sa labas, pero importante ko pong ulit-ulitin na kasama pa rin yung mga pampublikong transportasyon at yung mga indoors, kasama po dyan po yung mga palengke na matao at mga malls,” said Roque.
On another topic, Sec. Roque mentioned in the press briefing the signing of a supply agreement for the purchase of 40 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer.
Roque also stated that as of June 20, 2021, a total of 12,705,870 vaccine doses have already arrived in the Philippines. Of this number, 8,222,759 vaccine doses have been administered, as of June 19, 2021.