It has been over a year since lockdowns were first imposed and continually being reimplemented as COVID-19 ravaged the country. Currently, we are experiencing Version 3.0 of lockdowns thrust upon Metro Manila and its neighboring regions. The culprit to these exceedingly strict regulations is the possible surge of the Delta variant. Hospitals are filled up once again as this more infectious variant reaches more people. As of writing, cases have already been detected in all 18 regions of the Philippines. Recently, the Lambda variant has sprung up, which has increased overall anxiety. However, as far as most people are concerned, these are simply other variants of the infamous COVID-19. So, what makes these two so different?
The B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant can be traced back to December 2020. What was first spotted in India has rapidly found its way to different countries like the UK and the US, and more recently, the Philippines. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this dangerous strain is almost twice as contagious. Additionally, the Delta variant has not yet been fully studied. However, initial studies show that the variant brings with it unusually high viral loads—the amount of the virus in a person’s blood, or in this case, nose and throat. Patients infected with this strain have a viral load of more than 1,000 times those infected with older strains of COVID-19!
Many would tend to believe that getting the vaccine eliminates the risk of getting the strain. Yet while vaccinations significantly reduce the likelihood of getting infected, they do not guarantee one from staying infection-free. Furthermore, those with only one vaccination dose are still highly vulnerable. In light of this, people need to make sure they are fully vaccinated, observing social distancing, and properly wearing face masks to reduce unwanted risks.
To compound the problem of the rise of the Delta variant is a strain now officially known as the Lambda (B.1.621) variant. Spotted in Peru as early as August 2020, it has quickly spread to over 28 countries. According to National Geographic, the variant is responsible for more than 90 percent of new cases in Peru alone. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that the lambda variant carries a number of mutations with suspected implications, such as potential increased transmissibility or possible increased resistance to neutralizing antibodies. However, it is still too early to predict the possible mutations. Recent findings suggest that the Lambda variant tends to bypass the immune system. In response to this, the WHO assigned it as a Variant of Interest (VOI) on June 14 this year. Just like with the Delta variant, vaccines are still very effective, but not as much as they were against the first few strains. Nevertheless, we must remember that vaccines are still our greatest ally in effectively protecting us from the virus.
As we continue to witness the rapid rise of different variants, we, as citizens, need to stay responsible. Here are some quick reminders to help you stay safe. First, it is advised not to leave one’s house for nonessential purposes. Parents must only go out to work or to buy essential stuff. Delivery services are always a great alternative to purchase items used at home. Second, always wear a face mask and face shield when going outside. As an article entitled The Delta Variant: A Guide To Evaluating Personal Risk quotes, “Any protection is better than no protection.” Third, make sure to practice social distancing. It is not just a safety protocol, but it also serves as a way to prevent transmission of the virus to others. Finally, make sure to remain cautious even after getting vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines may be effective against severe disease, but it does not give people the right to live without caution. Following simple reminders like these will bring us one step closer to our goal: being free from the grasp of this terrifying pandemic once and for all.
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