Manila Bulletin
COVID-19 variant from South Africa being watched closely; no change yet in alert level classification
The Philippine government, through Malacañang, is closely monitoring a new and potentially more transmissible COVID-19 variant first detected in South Africa.
Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles stated that the government is intently watching the situation and awaiting advisories from the World Health Organization (WHO) on whether the variant will be classified as a variant of interest or concern.
The Department of Health (DOH) also confirmed they are awaiting official word from the WHO regarding the new variant.
This variant, identified as B.1.1.529, reportedly possesses numerous mutations and has been linked to a surge in infections in South Africa.
The Bureau of Immigration has expressed readiness to adjust quarantine protocols should the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) deem it necessary in response to the emerging variant.
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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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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.
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The Philippines has imposed an immediate travel ban on travelers from South Africa and six other African countries due to the emergence of the new COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.529.
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