Rappler
What we know so far about new COVID-19 variant found in PH
The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the detection of a COVID-19 variant, P3, which was first reported in the Philippines.
The P3 variant has been detected in local samples, with the earliest case collected on January 8.
This variant is part of the B1128 lineage, similar to the P1 variant.
The DOH is studying the P3 variant's mutations for potential effects on transmissibility, pathogenicity, and immunogenicity.
The Philippines has also reported cases of the United Kingdom (B117) and South African (B1351) variants, with 177 and 90 cases respectively, and one case of the Brazil variant (P1).
All three variants of concern (VOCs) - B117, B1351, and P1 - possess the N501Y mutation linked to increased transmissibility.
The B1351 and P1 variants also have the E484K mutation, which may impact vaccine efficacy.
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Japanese health officials confirmed on March 12, 2021, the detection of a new COVID-19 variant in a traveler arriving from the Philippines.
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Public Health England (PHE) confirmed two cases of the P3 COVID-19 variant, first identified in the Philippines, within England.
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The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed one case of the COVID-19 P.1 variant, first detected in Brazil, in a returning overseas Filipino from Western Visayas.
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The Philippines reported 5,404 new COVID-19 cases on March 15, 2021, marking the fourth biggest single-day tally in the country since the pandemic began.
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The Philippines has confirmed its first case of the P1 variant of COVID-19, commonly known as the Brazil variant, a highly transmissible strain that can re-infect individuals who have previously recovered from the virus.
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