Beta and P.3 variants detected in Aklan

Two cases of COVID-19 variants were detected in the province of Aklan involving local residents and a returning Overseas Filipino Worker (ROF), according to the Aklan Provincial Health Office (PHO).

In its official statement issued last July 23, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Cornelio Cuachon confirmed that five out of the nine specimens from the province that were sent to the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) were positive for Beta variant, which originated from South Africa; and the P.3 variant, which was first recorded in the Philippines.

“This is to inform the public that we received the official results last July 21, 2021 for the genome sequencing that was sent June 30, 2021 to the Philippine Genome Center, 5 out of 9 specimens were detected to have variants of which three are Beta variants and two P.3 variants,” the statement said.

Three Beta variant cases were detected as beta variants, specifically an 89-year-old male from New Washington; 54-year-old female from Buranga; and a 29-year-old male returning Overseas Filipino Worker (ROF) from Nabas.

A 51-year-old female from Kalibo; and a 45-year-old male from New Washington were confirmed cases of P.3 variant.

Based on their initial investigation, the Aklan PHO said all cases have recovered.

In its virtual presser on Monday, the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) classified the province of Aklan as high risk due to its high average daily attack rate (ADAR) of 19.57% and its 36% two-week growth rate.

However, the healthcare utilization rate of Aklan was at 55% or low risk.

As of July 26, 2021, Aklan province has 1,787 active cases with 96 total deaths.

Despite the detection of the two variants of Covid-19 in the province, Aklan PHO reminded the public to remain calm and vigilant.

“We advise the public to remain calm and vigilant. To protect oneself from any Covid-19 variants we encourage the eligible population to get vaccinated and strictly adhere to minimum public health standards.”  (ERS)