The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) joined government agencies in reminding the public to be more vigilant about exercising health and safety protocols, and encouraged more people to get vaccinated especially now that there are confirmed Delta variant cases in the country.
"Ngayong mayroon nang mga kumpirmadong kaso ng COVID Delta variant sa bansa, mas lalo nating kinakailangang magpabakuna at patuloy na sumunod sa mga health protocols gaya ng pagsusuot ng mask at shield, paghuhugas ng kamay, pag-observe ng social distancing, pananatili sa loob ng bahay hangga’t maaari, at pag-iwas sa mga matataong lugar, (Now that there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 Delta variant in the country, we are even more required to get vaccinated and continue to adhere to health protocols such as wearing masks and shields, hand washing, observing social distancing, staying indoors as much as possible, and avoiding crowded places)," the CHR said in its social media post.
Explaining why new variants are appearing, the CHR said the likelihood of the virus mutating increases when it has been circulating in a population.
"Each virus has its genome sequence," the CHR said as it cited the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies statements: "When virus spreads, it replicates or makes copies of itself. But every now and then, as it copies, it can make a mistake."
It said that most of the time, these "tiny" mistakes don't really change how the virus works. However, there are times when the variation can make the virus stronger - this means it is more transmissible, more resistant to the immune system, and it may cause severe disease, it added.
Thus, it said, it is exactly the case for the Delta variant as it warned that it is the most transmissible version yet of SARS-COV-2.
It also said that a person who has the Delta variant could infect as many as five to eight people, while a person infected with the original strain could infect approximately two people. While the numbers are worrisome, the CHR shared that there is some hope.
"The good news is that current COVID-19 vaccines can protect you from severe illness and death caused by all known new COVID variants," the CHR said.
"To avoid any COVID-19 variant transmission, keep wearing a mask, watch your distance, meet outdoors, and avoid crowded areas," it added.