No new UK variant detected in 4th batch of samples –DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday evening announced that no UK variant of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was detected in the fourth batch of samples that underwent sequencing.

“[T]he DOH reports that the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) was able to sequence only 48 samples for the fourth batch of sequencing, and none of which was positive for the B.1.1.7 variant,” the DOH said in a statement.

According to the DOH, of the 48 samples, 23 came from the National Capital Region, 19 from CALABARZON, four from the Cordillera Region, and two were returning overseas Filipinos.

Seven of the 48 samples have recovered while the remaining are active cases were asymptomatic or mild, the DOH said.

The PGC is also set to sequence another 48 samples in the following week.

Though no sample was found with the UK variant, the DOH urged the public to follow minimum health standards.

“While no new cases have been detected, the DOH reiterates that the minimum public health standards remain the best precautionary measure against COVID-19 infection regardless of the variant,” it said. — DVM, GMA News