What is the purpose of genomic surveillance?
Genomic surveillance allows detection of circulating strains of the SARS CoV2 virus. More importantly, it also detects the presence of variants of concerns (VOCs) and variants under investigation (VUIs) to monitor their spread and to determine the correlation of the presence of these variants to observed case clusters and spikes, increased severity or fatality, and cases of re-infection in order for the government to implement appropriate strategies to mitigate the impact of the said variants.
Are these VOCs the dominant variant in the country?
As of the latest sequencing result the B1.351 is now the most commonly occurring variant among sequenced samples. However, given the disproportionate allocation of samples at the regional level, we do not have enough evidence to definitively state that the VOCs are now the dominant variants in the entire country.
Increased detection of VOCs/VUIs does not entail that these variants are now the dominant strains in the country. Genomic surveillance is only able to sequence a proportion of RT-PCR positive cases.
Why are we detecting more VOCs/VUIs?
More VOCs/VUIs are being detected in the country due to the increased genomic biosurveillance activities, which include purposively looking for the COVID-19 variants among individuals in the population who have a high likelihood of having these variants. A disproportionately higher number of samples are sequenced from areas with (1) reported clustering, (2) increased severe and critical cases, and (3) with a bigger presence of returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs).
What does the detection of variants mean for us?
Based on the available data, there is an increased detection of variants among international travelers which supports the need to implement stricter border control measures.
Detection and monitoring of the variants present in the country is crucial since certain variants may affect the public health measures to be implemented in response to COVID-19. The clinical implications of these circulating variants can influence the type of vaccine, treatment, or diagnostic test to be used.
What can I do to protect myself from these variants?
Regardless of the detection of these VOCs and VUIs, our personal preventive measures of proper masking, distancing, handwashing, ventilation, and vaccination and our community response strategies of P-D-I-T-R remain as effective.
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