ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) has assured the public in Western Visayas that no lockdown or travel restrictions will be implemented despite the threat posed by the “FLiRT” variant of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-9).
Current regional data does not warrant such measures, according to Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, head of DOH Region 6’s Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease (EREIDS) unit.
The region exhibits a low risk for severe outbreaks, she explained, evidenced by the high percentage of mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, low health facility utilization rates, and extensive vaccination and booster coverage.
DOH-6 data showed 525 active COVID-19 cases in the region as of June 8, with 67.81% being mild, 19.24% asymptomatic, 11.81% moderate, and 1.14% severe.
The non-ICU bed utilization rate is 14.68%, and the ICU bed utilization rate is 5.05%.
From June 2 to June 8, the region reported 157 new cases, with a daily average of 22 cases, marking a 14% increase from the previous week.
But Natalaray stressed the importance of continuing to follow minimum public health standards.
“For those with co-morbidities or senior citizens, please voluntarily wear a facemask, especially in crowded places,” she said.
Despite the FLiRT variant threat, there have been no changes in the health protocols, which still emphasize the use of face masks for at-risk populations.
Surveillance and monitoring of COVID-19 continue, and the same quarantine and isolation protocols remain in effect.
Health professionals in various facilities are required to report any patients diagnosed with COVID-19 to monitor their conditions.
The Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao district continues to accept samples for testing.
Surveillance efforts are also being conducted by the DOH-6 and the Bureau of Quarantine at all regional ports of entry, including those frequented by travelers from countries like Thailand and Singapore where FLiRT variant cases have been reported.
Regarding isolation and quarantine guidelines, asymptomatic individuals and those with mild symptoms are required to undergo five days of home quarantine and wear facemasks.
Those with moderate and severe symptoms must isolate at home for 10 days from symptom onset.
Asymptomatic close contacts are advised to wear facemasks for 10 days.
The FLiRT variant, also known as the KP.2 and KP.3 variants, is currently under monitoring by the World Health Organization and is a descendant of the Omicron sub-variant. While it is more transmissible, there is currently no data to suggest that it causes critical symptoms.
DOH-6 continues to remind those with co-morbidities and senior citizens to be aware of their risks and wear facemasks in crowded places. Those exhibiting flu-like symptoms are advised to stay away from workplaces or schools to prevent further spread./PN
