Just one among the 36 close contacts of two Delta variant cases in the city of Manila has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso confirmed in an interview on Monday that the Covid-19 positive patient may not be a carrier of the Delta variant because of the low viral content.
The two Delta variant carriers, detected three weeks ago, were among the 11 confirmed by the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday.
One recovered while the other, a 58-year-old woman from Pandacan, died.
“Merong isang nag-positive but rest assured that due diligence is being done by the city health department. Doon sa nag-positibo ay hindi siya kailangang i-submit sa genome sequencing simply because ‘yung tinatawag na cycle value noong inextract na content ay hindi bumaba ng 20, (There is one that tested positive but we do not need to submit it for genome sequencing simply because the content of the extracted cycle value did not go below 20), because the threshold is 20,” Domagoso explained.
“As of now, walang (there is no) active Delta variant case detected in the City of Manila,” he added during a Facebook Live update.
Experts define Cycle Threshold (Ct) value in a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction SARS-CoV-2 test as a potential marker for severe Covid-19 cases.
Ct value refers to the number of cycles needed to amplify viral RNA (ribonucleic acid) to reach a detectable level.
The cycle threshold report will guide infection control, public health, and occupational health decisions (duration of isolation, clearance for work, clearance for medical or surgical procedures), according to the DOH.
The Ct value may be kit and machine-dependent so the brand of the test kit and machine used should be reported as well.
Domagoso said the Manila Health Department conducted contact tracing after it was informed by the DOH about a possible Delta variant case.
The city government assured it will continue contact tracing, testing, and isolating suspect cases even as it reminded residents to follow minimum health and safety protocols.
Most importantly, Domagoso encouraged those who have not received the Covid-19 vaccine yet to avail of free jabs.
The DOH said the country already has 35 confirmed Delta variant cases.
Source: Philippines News Agency