DOH: COVID-19 Delta subvariant not yet in PH

According to health undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, authorities are monitoring 46 sublineages of the Delta variant and have not yet detected the AY.4.2 sublineage which is feared to be more transmissible than the original Delta strain.

"As of this moment, experts are still studying the potential impact of the Delta sublineage on the transmissibility and severity of COVID-19. The particular Delta sublineage has not yet been detected among the COVID-19 positive samples sequenced in the country,” the health agency said.

Earlier, Britain reported monitoring the Delta subvariant but noted that there is still no evidence that it spreads more easily than the original version of the Delta variant.

Vergeire called on the public to maintain strict and proper adherence to minimum health standards to reduce the risk of getting infected with the virus and slow down mutation. The official also encouraged adults to get vaccinated against COVID-19.