July 24, 2021

Dr. Edsel Salvana, a member of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), discusses the Delta variant of the virus following confirmation of local transmission, during President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s regular meeting on COVID-19 concerns and talk to the people at the Malacañang Golf (MALAGO) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on 24 July 2021.

Dr. Salvana is among the medical experts present via virtual convention during the said meeting. He explains that the Delta variant is the fastest and fittest among the existing variants of COVID-19 and can infect individuals in less than 15 minutes of contact time.

Despite the threats posed by the said variant, the TAG member stresses that the same treatment still applies for Delta — strong compliance to minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks, face shields and observance of physical distancing, and strict border controls can help protect the public and prevent further spread of the virus.

He also calls for the continuous rollout of vaccination against COVID-19 as reports show that the number of deaths goes down in countries with high vaccination rate. In an exchange with the Chief Executive and other guests joining the meeting, Dr. Salvana emphasizes that the current protocols in the country can help delay the surge but Filipinos are still susceptible not until they receive immunization against the virus.

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