PRC getting samples from returning OFWs for COVID-19 variant

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is collecting samples from returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from countries where the new strain of the coronavirus has spread, as part of efforts to block the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 mutation into the country, Sen. Richard Gordon said yesterday.

The PRC has been tasked by the government to screen returning OFWs for COVID-19. The coronavirus’ new mutation, first detected in the United Kingdom, is reportedly more infectious but not deadlier than the main strain.

Gordon, who chairs the PRC, said the samples from the swab tests taken from OFWs from any of the 21 countries where the new strain has spread are sent to the Philippine Genome Center at the University of the Philippines for checking.

“Definitely, we’re getting samples from OFWs, especially those from Europe, and the 21 countries,” the senator said in an interview on radio station dzBB.

He said he wished the PRC would have enough funds to procure its own vaccines for staff and frontliners as well for the humanitarian organization’s target population.

Gordon, however, said the PRC is willing to help the government in its mass vaccination program for COVID-19 as the organization has a long experience in inoculation campaigns.

He said the PRC annually conducts measles and polio vaccinations.

Close watch

Meanwhile, the economic team would keep a close watch on the impact of the spread of the new COVID-19 variant, according to acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua.

Interviewed on radio station dwIZ last Saturday night, Chua said the occurrence of the new coronavirus strain was not yet factored into the revised economic growth assumptions for 2021 through 2022 made in December.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) expects gross domestic product growth to bounce back to reach 6.5 to 7.5 percent in 2021 and eight to 10 percent in 2022 coming from a low base this year.

Chua said the economic impact of the possible rise in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases coming off the holiday season was already considered in the growth assumptions this year.

“What we have not factored into our assumption is the new COVID-19 variant that spreads faster. So we are monitoring this if we will need to make adjustments,” he added.

The Philippines has so far banned the entry of travelers from 21 countries where the presence of the new COVID-19 variant has been monitored.

Chua said a continued slowdown in the number of confirmed cases can be expected this year as people become used to following public health standards.

The retention of Metro Manila and other areas under general community quarantine for the whole of January, he explained, was also meant to be a preemptive move so as not to undo gains made last year.

Vaccines for the priority sections of the population such as frontliners and the vulnerable are expected to be available middle of this year.

“Our assumption is the number of cases will continue to go down and quarantine levels will be lowered. Because we have been more careful,” Chua said.

The government, according to the socioeconomic planning secretary, will continue on its risk management strategy in line with the gradual reopening of the economy, recognizing the damaging effects of severe lockdowns to the economy last year.  – Czeriza Valencia, Mayen Jaymalin