Philippine Genome Center detects more infectious coronavirus variant

Filipino researchers at the Philippine Genome Center detected a more infectious variant of the novel coronavirus, known as G614, in Quezon City samples from July.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, an infectious disease expert, stated that while this mutation may facilitate easier transmission to human hosts, there is currently no evidence indicating it causes more severe infections or higher mortality rates.

The DOH has authorized the PGC to continue studying the variant and gathering further information.

While foreign researchers have noted G614 as the dominant strain globally, the Philippine Genome Center emphasized that their findings are based on a small sample from Quezon City and may not represent the entire country.