DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, July 6 (PIA) -- There is no case of Covid-19 “Delta” variant infection detected in Negros Oriental. 

This was clarified by Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force - Emerging Infectious Disease (PIATF) Health Committee Chairperson Dr. Liland Estacion. 

“Atong klaruhon sa atong katawhan na walay Delta variant niabot sa Negros Oriental (I would like to clarify that there is no Delta variant detected in Negros Oriental),” Estacion said during her virtual press conference on July 6. 

However, Estacion said that three Covid-19 variants have been recorded in the province, the latest of which is the “Beta” or “South African” variant which was detected in a Returning Overseas Filipino (ROF) in Dauin town who travelled from Lebanon.

She said the Dauin Municipal Health Office (MHO) is already investigating the case and has been directed to do massive contact tracing of all possible contacts.

The case was announced on July 1.

The other two variants detected in the province are the “Alpha” or UK variant and the “Theta” or Philippine variant.

The Alpha variant was recorded in a COVID-19 patient in Tanjay City while the “Theta” variant was recorded in five patients in Dumaguete City, of which only one is a local confirmed case while the others are ROFs.

Patients with the “Alpha” and “Theta” variants have already recovered. 

Estacion appealed to the public to relay only the correct information to dispel public fears of a Delta variant spreading in the province.

“Tulo pa ka variant ang niabot sa Negros Oriental. Wala pay Delta variant. Palihog katong katawhan na nakadungog nako karon, dili nato libugon ang atong mga katawhan sa Negros Oriental. Ang tinood ra gyud ang ato ipagawas (We only detected three variants in Negros Oriental. So far, there is no Delta variant here. I urge those who are listening now to spread correct information to avoid causing confusion among the public),” Estacion said.

Health experts consider the “Delta” variant as the most transmissible variant. 

Estacion also reminded the public to adhere to the prescribed health protocols to be safe from contracting the virus. (RAL/PIA7 Negros Oriental)