‘No new COVID variant detected in PH’ – DOH & PGC

Manila, Philippines―Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) reported that the UK variant (B.1.1.7) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has not yet been detected in the country amid the circulating social media posts about a new variant being detected in NCR.

In a released statement of DOH, the Department calls on the public to refrain from disseminating unverified information which only serves to create panic and confusion.

DOH and PGC are closely working together in order to intensify on-going bio-surveillance efforts.

Based on the lineage analysis through whole genome sequencing done by the PGC, the UK variant was not detected in any of the 305 positive samples submitted to them from nine (9) institutions.

305 samples analyzed by PGC were composed of positive samples from November-December hospital admissions and from inbound travellers who tested positive upon arrival at the airport.

Moreover, the Department is in close coordination with Hong Kong’s International Health Regulations focal point to secure official notification and other pertinent information regarding the Hong Kong resident who tested positive for the variant following travel history from the Philippines.

Furthermore, whether or not a new variant is detected, the DOH reiterates that strict adherence to Minimum Public Health Standards is the best defense against COVID-19 and strongly urges the public to continue practicing MPHS across all settings to lower the rate of infection and reduce the risk of viral mutation.

OTHER NEWS

Kalinga rider’s wrong move of overtaking police led to his arrest

ADVERTISEMENT

Follow Guru Press Cordillera on Facebook for more News and Information