MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) reports that the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) was only able to sequence 48 samples for the fourth batch of sequencing.
This, the department said, was due to the global shortage of sequencing reagents for high throughput whole genome sequencing.
The DOH, on the other hand, emphasized that none of the 48 samples was positive for the B.1.1.7 or the UK variant.
In an advisory released on Saturday (January 30), the department reported that of the 48 samples, 23 cases came from the National Capital Region which were mostly from Quezon City; 19 from CALABARZON with most cases from Laguna; four from the Cordillera Region; and two were returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs).
The DOH added that seven of these cases are already tagged as recovered. Meanwhile, the active cases in the batch are either asymptomatic or mild cases.
The UP-PGC, in a report, said that they were only able to sequence samples from two ROFs as these two are the only samples that met the minimum amount and cycle threshold value required for sequencing.
“Moreover, the PGC is also set to sequence another 48 samples this coming week, including samples from CAR and other targeted areas, while waiting for the kits and reagents for genomic sequencing,” the report said.
The DOH reiterates that while no new cases have been detected, minimum public health standards remain the best precautionary measure against COVID-19 infection regardless of the variant.
“Thus, the public is urged to strictly adhere to these standards, especially when going to public places, by properly wearing face masks and face shields, maintaining a one-meter distance from other people, limiting the time of interaction to others, ensuring proper air circulation in any establishments or venues, and to regularly sanitize hands,” the advisory concluded. —/mbmf
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