GUIMARAS – This province recorded nine local infections of the Alpha and Beta variants of the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but all these cases already recovered.
Eight were from Buenavista town, confirmed Mayor Eugenio Reyes. Four had the Alpha variant while the rest had the Beta variant.
“Sa Alpha variant tatlo tuya sa Purok Mainuswagon, Santo Rosario kag isa sa Purok 3 sa Barangay Old Poblacion. Sa Beta variant, duha sa Purok 6 sa Barangay New Poblacion kag duha man sa Purok 3, sakop man sang New Poblacion,” said Reyes.
Two of the Alpha variant cases were a couple with no travel history. This couple and the other two were infected with the Alpha variant in May and June yet.
Reyes said they were informed by the Department of Health (DOH) of the results on Wednesday.
He also urged Guimarasnons, especially his constituents in Buenavista, to keep calm as the local government unit already contained the possible transmission via a surgical lockdown in May and June.
Reyes also said they have been regulating the movement of people outdoors to essentials only.
“Naga-apelar kita sang kooperasyon,” said Reyes.
As of July 21, Buenavista had 46 active cases – all local.
The Alpha variant was initially detected in the United Kingdom, while the Beta in South Africa in December 2020.
The other Alpha variant in this province was recorded in Jordan town.
According to Dr. Robel Gencianeo, municipal health officer, the patient was a resident of Barangay Rizal and was working in Iloilo City.
Gencianeo said the patient underwent a 14-day facility quarantine at a hotel in Iloilo City the time he was infected with COVID-19 in May.
The health officer appealed for public cooperation particularly in the strict observance of health protocols and getting vaccinated against the disease.
Jordan had 11 active cases as of July 21./PN
