As the vaccine rollout in the Philippines continues, more Filipinos are able to receive the inoculation that they need. However, the new mutations of the COVID virus are now challenging the goal towards herd immunity. Recently, a new deadly strain has been found. This is the Delta Variant and it has spread across the regions in the country. This is why OCTA Research is now recommending to heighten the restrictions in the NCR plus bubble.
The Delta Variant
In a Facebook post by Yale School of Public Health, they explained the nature of the Delta Variant.
Scientists have found that the Delta Variant is 50% more contagious than the original strain of the COVID-19 virus. Likewise, it transmits 50% faster than the Alpha COVID strain (B.1.1.7 variant).Therefore, this mutation is highly transmissible so it can easily target unvaccinated individuals. Since unvaccinated individuals are left vulnerable without an extra layer of protection, they are susceptible to getting infected.
Why does it move quickly?
The epicenter of the Delta Variant was in India. It appeared in the latter part of 2020. Then, this variant has caused a catastrophic second wave in the country in April 2021. On the other hand, the United Kingdom, which was far from the East Asia, has recorded a spike of COVID cases due to the Delta Variant. This happened in the middle of June 2021.
“With the Delta variant, vaccination is more urgent than ever.”
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
In addition, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Delta variant spike. Consequently, the Delta Variant now makes up the 85% of all the total COVID cases in the country. What’s more frightening is that the transmission were mostly from individuals without vaccination. As a result, hospitalizations continue to rise; thus, challenging the health care system in the United States.
The Delta Variant Symptoms
According to Yale Public Health, the Delta variant symptoms vary from the original strain. For instance, an infected person may experience headaches, sore throat, runny nose, and fever.
Are the COVID Vaccines effective against the Delta Variant?
Despite the resurgence of the COVID threat because of the new mutations, vaccination is still the key. Similar with the other vaccines, the COVID vacccines are effective against the Delta variant. Hence, the chances of having a severe infection due to Delta variant is low when vaccinated.
On the other hand, there are studies that represent the effectiveness of COVID vaccines against the Delta Variant. For example, a U.K. study found that Pfizer and Astra Zeneca are 88% and 67% effective, respectively, towards combatting Delta variant symptoms. This was observed on a two-dose regimen basis. Furthermore, there were reports that both the Moderna and J&J offer the same protection as well.
Who is UP-OCTA Research Team and what do they do?
The UP-OCTA Research team is an independent and interdisciplinary research group. Its member consists of the UP faculty members and its alumni. Moreover, they have contributors from the University of Santo Tomas and Providence College, USA.
Usually, they are the ones who analyzes the pandemic situation in the Philippines. Furthermore, they send forecasts with regards to the next wave or movement of the virus.
Last July 18, OCTA fellow Guido David argued that the NCR Plus bubble should heighten its quarantine restrictions.
On NCR Plus Bubble
In an NCR Plus Bubble, Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal will be protected from the Delta variant coming from the provinces. In this way, there should be border controls. Hence, the government will only allow only essential travels.
In addition, there will be no international travels coming from India, Indonesia, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates until Aug. 15.
Well, UP- OCTA research’s recommendation has been fulfilled, especially now that the NCR Bubble will be transitioning to Enhanced Community Quarantine from August 6 – 20.
Cities affected by the Delta Variant
Last July 29, the Deparment of Health has reported 97 new Delta Variant cases in the Philippines. To date, the Philippines has confronted 216 Delta Variant cases.
Of the new cases, 88 are locals while 6 are returning overseases Filipinos.
According to OCTA Research, there 11 high risk areas in the Philippines with the continuous surge of the Delta Variant. In Metro Manila, these are cities of Makati and Taguig. In the provinces, we have cities of Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Baguio, Laoag. Among the high risk areas is the municipality of Mariveles in Bataan.
How can I promote a safe and healthy space wherever I go?
Wearing a mask is indeed significant whether you are vaccinated or not. In fact, this is not just abuot you, but we are talking about a whole community here. Hence, wear your masks so you can protect yourself and other people, too.
“This is about promoting a social norm: Right now there are enough people unvaccinated that we should be modelling good behaviour , showing social solidarity.”
Professor Gregg Gonsalvess, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases Times at Yale School of Public Health.
Let this be a kind gesture or a social norm from now on. It is because you might never know if the person beside you is immuno compromised or not. Besides, you should wear a mask regardless of the transmission level in your area. Therefore, you should always remember that no one is safe until everyone is safe.
Thus, everyone should get vaccinated as soon as possible. It is because the more it spreads, then the more it mutates into variants.
Camella Manors’ Breathable Spaces
The good thing about living in a resort-themed condo is that it curates breathable spaces. The verdant landscape allows every resident to enjoy the fresh suburban air. It also gives a kind of sanctuary not only to hustle of the city, but also to the threat of diseases.
Now is the call for every Camella Manors resident to become responsible and be part of the solution. Hence, everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated.
Let your neighbors breathe with ease knowing that they are living in a vaccinated community. Do not be afraid and get your first jab today!
