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Webinar #61
Virtual International Conference Part 3
“THE DELTA VARIANT: What Every Frontliner Needs to Know“
July 16, 2021 (Friday) 12nn
Presenter:
Dr. Franco Felizarta
Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine Specialist
UP Medical Alumni Society in America (UPMASA)
Reactors:
Dr. Eva Cutiongco- de la Paz
Executive Director, UP Manila National Institutes of Health
Director, Health Program
UP Philippine Genome Center
Dr. Lai Poh San
Head, Human Molecular Genetics Lab
Dept. of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
National University of Singapore
Adjunct Faculty, Genome Institute of Singapore
Dr. Abishek Rimal
Regional Coordinator, Emergency Health for Asia Pacific
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Dr. Niño Dal Dayanghirang
Programme Management Officer
World Health Organization
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Opening Remarks:
Dr. Ernesto Domingo
National Scientist
Professor Emeritus, University of the Philippines
Closing Remarks:
Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla
Chancellor
University of the Philippines Manila
Webinar #61
July 16, 2021
“Virtual International Conference Part 3
The Delta Variant: What Every Frontliner Needs to Know“
Special Topic
What are the Delta variants of SARSCov2 and what should every frontline worker know about this new phenomenon? Are the symptoms different? Is it transmitted the same way as the Alpha variant? Why are more young people affected? Can it cause more severe symptoms? Can it cause serious health problems to persons who are already fully-vaccinated?
As the world races to vaccinate against COVID-19, a highly contagious version of the virus is sweeping the globe – and is feared to move faster than vaccination efforts.
First detected in India and now identified in at least 92 countries, including the Philippines — it is widely considered the most transmissible COVID-19 strain observed to date. A study by Public Health England suggests delta is 60% more transmissible than the Alpha variant. The Delta variant spreads swiftly in places where there are low vaccination rates, according to research conducted in the U.K., where the strain already accounts for 99% of new COVID-19 cases.
Delta may also be linked to a greater risk of hospitalization, and is somewhat more resistant to vaccines, particularly after just a single dose of the two-shot vaccines.
- USA: 1 out of 4 cases are caused by the Delta Variant.
- UK: Despite 62% of adults being fully vaccinated, a slightly higher rate than in the U.S. Most of the new cases are in younger people who’ve yet to receive the two doses needed for maximum protection.
- Russia and Indonesia: Where vaccination rates are much lower, the new strain is already being blamed for overwhelming hospitals and filling cemeteries.
- Australia: Initially spared for a year and a half – have just imposed a strict two-week lockdown in Sydney.
- France: Delta variant now accounts for one in five new COVID-19 cases in France — a similar proportion to that seen in the U.S. Health officials warn it will soon be the dominant variant. France just finished a strict month-long lockdown.
- Germany: Delta variant likely already made up about 50% of the country’s total COVID-19 cases. But with overall infection rates still low, federal and state officials agreed not to tighten travel restrictions within the country
- Delta Plus variant — a mutation of the variant found in India — is growing as Indian officials will label it as a “variant of concern”. Despite this, there is limited knowledge about the Delta Plus variant
- Delta Plus cases are mounting fast in India, but the strain has also been detected in the U.S., U.K., China, Japan, Russia, Portugal, Switzerland, and Poland.
Be on top of this emergent situation. Be a vehicle for the right information about the Delta Variants.
Stay Safe. Stay Healthy. Stay Connected!
Together we can STOP COVID DEATHS!
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