Delta: Covid-19 Latest Variant of Concern

In partnership with BASF Philippines

Two years ago, what began as a pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan has assumed global proportions and claimed countless lives from around the world. As we are racing against time in ensuring we achieve herd immunity, new COVID-19 variants are emerging that are more transmissible and dangerously contagious.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the variants as either Variant of Concern (VOC) or Variant of Interest (VOI). A Variant of Concern translates to a rise in transmissibility, an increase in a fatality, and a significant decrease in the effectiveness of vaccines, therapy, and other health measures. Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and the latest variant, Delta, fall under this category.

The Delta variant was initially detected in India in December 2020, which resulted in a staggering number of casualties in the country. Now, more countries are experiencing another surge of infection due to this variant, including neighboring…