Manila Bulletin
DOH waiting for WHO's official announcement about new coronavirus variant found in S. Africa
The Department of Health (DOH) is awaiting guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) on a new coronavirus variant, B.1.1.529, detected in South Africa that is suspected to be more transmissible.
Dr. Beverly Ho of the DOH stated that the WHO is holding a meeting and is expected to release an advisory later today or on Saturday.
The B.1.1.529 variant has a significant number of mutations, specifically at least 10, which is more than the Delta or Beta variants.
This new variant is reportedly responsible for a sharp increase in infections in South Africa, with daily cases rising from 100 to over 1,200 in a single month.
International experts are concerned that the variant's altered spike protein may reduce the effectiveness of existing vaccines.
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The Philippine government, through Malacañang, is closely monitoring a new and potentially more transmissible COVID-19 variant first detected in South Africa.
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An OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David expressed serious concern over the new COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.529, detected in South Africa.
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