As of May 19, 2021, three (3) COVID-19 variants have been detected in Caraga Region.
Three cases of the B. 1.1.7 VOC (UK Variant) have been recorded in Bislig City (1); Buenavista, Agusan del Norte (1); and Cabadbaran City (1).
Ten (10) cases of the B.1.351 VOC (South African Variant) were recorded in Butuan City (3); Cantilan, Surigao del Sur (1); and San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands (6).
Further, two (2) cases of the mutations with potential clinical significance (MPCS) N501Y and E484K were recorded in Bislig City (1) and Buenavista, ADN (1).
With the rise of COVID-19 cases in Caraga Region, RTF COVID-19 Chairperson and OCD Caraga Regional Director Liza Mazo has called for more stringent implementation of minimum health standards to control the transmission of COVID-19, particularly mass gatherings which DOH Caraga has cited as the main reason behind the increased cases. Dir. Mazo said she will raise this to the RTF against COVID-19 One Caraga Shield (RTF-COCS) to come up with harmonized interventions that will be enforced regionwide.
Bislig City and Butuan City are now classified as high risk areas, having recorded a daily attack rate of 10.59 and 7.08 respectively in the past two (2) weeks, DOH Caraga reports during the 32nd RTF COVID-19 Meeting today, May 20, 2021. (RPN DXKS Surigao via Susil Ragas, Philippine Information Agency)
