The Philippine National Police said they will continue to strictly enforce health protocols to prevent the spread of the more transmissible Covid-19 Delta variant.
PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, made this assurance yesterday after the Department of Health warned that patients infected with the Delta variant are more prone to stay longer in hospitals, compared to those who contracted the other variants.
“The DOH mentioned the need for strict border controls to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 Delta variant in the country,” Eleazar said.
The World Health Organization also warned that the Delta variant is becoming the globally dominant variant of the disease.
“We will continue to monitor the quarantine control points, especially in areas where there is a high number of Covid-19 cases,” Eleazar said in a statement.
He reiterated his appeal for the public to be more vigilant and comply with minimum health protocols in preventing the spread of the variant.
“We at the PNP believe that everyone must take action to prevent the spread of this more contagious variant. Apart from vaccinations and adherence to minimum public health safety standards, each of us needs discipline,” Eleazar said.
He directed all local police offices and units to closely coordinate with local government units for the strict enforcement of minimum public health safety standards and quarantine protocols.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier said the Delta variant “really spreads easily”.
Initial global studies showed that Delta variant cases have higher inflammatory markers which mean that the virus is causing severe infection.
Vergeire, however, said the Delta variant should not be a cause for alarm if health protocols are applied and observed.*PNA
