DOH: No new virus strain in Philippines

The Department of Health (DOH) clarified Monday that no new strain of coronavirus was detected in the Philippines.

DOH made the clarification after the United Kingdom confirmed reports that a new strain of coronavirus is spreading in Britain, forcing them to impose heightened restrictions and travel bans.

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“According to the RITM, right now, they have not seen a new strain in the country based on their monitoring,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a briefing.

“But of course, we will be furthering this monitoring. We might need to strengthen our measures in the event there is a new strain in the country. But right now, there is none,” she added.

According to initial data, the new strain of coronavirus could be “up to 70% more transmissible.” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson already ordered new restrictions for London and southeastern England until December 30.

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Vergeire said there is no need to implement stricter travel restrictions for now.

“Although, of course, we’re strengthening our measures to prevent the infection from reaching the country,” she said, referring to testing at ports of entry and quarantine of travelers.

No need for stricter lockdown yet – DOH

Vergeire also said there is no need to reimpose stricter community quarantine restrictions despite an increase of daily COVID-19 cases amid the Christmas holidays.

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The DOH official said local government units (LGUs) are already authorized to declare localized lockdowns should there be a COVID-19 surge in their area.

“The LGUs have the authority to… anytime they see one of their areas have increase in cases, they can impose stricter restrictions. This is so they can quickly resolve the surge in cases in their areas,” she said.

Vergeire DOH and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) would meet next week to decide on quarantine levels for January 2021.

“Before the month’s end, the IATF is set to meet for the discussion on the risk classification of areas. The decision will be based on our health system capacity and number of cases,” said the health official.

“In case we see the need to level up the community quarantine, then we will do that,” added Vergeire.