No new Covid-19 strain in PH: DOH

Based on preliminary data, the variant detected in the UK could be up to 70 percent more infectious and has become a prevalent strain in its capital. (Pixabay photo)

MANILA – There is no new strain of coronavirus in the country based on the latest report of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), a health official said Monday.

“According to RITM, sa ngayon wala pa silang nakikitang bagong strain na mayroon tayo dito sa ating bansa (they have not seen a new strain in our country) based on their monitoring,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during an online media forum.

Vergeire was responding to speculations that the “mutation” of a Covid-19 virus, which caused the second wave of cases in the United Kingdom (UK), is similar to the variant the Philippine Genome Center has detected in August.

“But of course we will be furthering this monitoring baka nga kung sakali kailangan natin mapag-igting para kung mayroon mang ganyan dito sa ating bansa ma-identify natin (as there might be a need for stricter monitoring to identify anything like that in the country),” she said.

Based on preliminary data, the variant detected in the UK could be up to 70 percent more infectious and has become a prevalent strain in its capital.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said it is analyzing Britain’s data to see if the increase of infections there is the result of a more potent strain.

Vergeire noted that the UK has already imposed travel restrictions on its borders.

“Dito naman po sa ating bansa, ang ating pinapapasok pa lang natin dito sa ngayon ay (Here in our country, what we’re allowing to enter are) diplomats and those with official businesses here in the country,” she said.

“So, the restriction, I don’t think that would be required at this point, although, of course, we are strengthening our measures to prevent the entrance of infection here that’s why the monitoring of ports with the testing with the quarantine of all those coming in are being implemented,” she added.

As of 4 p.m. Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that the country’s overall Covid-19 case tally has reached 461,505; the recovered cases, 429,207; and deaths at 8,957.

Since last week, the DOH has been warning the public against the possible surge of cases this holiday season as many people engage in celebrations with family and friends outdoors, attend Simbang Gabi, and visit night markets.

The agency continues to encourage the public to have safe holidays by observing the minimum health standards, especially when going outdoors – the proper wearing of face masks and face shields, avoiding cramped places where physical distancing is impossible and avoiding staying outside for a long period.