DOH: 4 of 12 India Covid-19 variant cases closely monitored

THE Department of Health (DOH) is still closely monitoring four of the 12 individuals who tested positive for the B.1.617 coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) variant that was first detected in India.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said one of the four has been intubated, while three others continue to rely on oxygen support.

"Titingnan natin 'yung course ng sakit nila kung kompara sa other variants ay mas mahaba at mas nagwo-worsen," she said in a virtual press conference.

She said the B.1.617 variant cases are being retested Monday, May 17, to check if they still have the virus.

The DOH earlier said two seafarers who contracted the coronavirus have recovered and already went back home. They were included in the 12 individuals infected with the Indian variant.

Of the 12, nine were seafarers aboard the M/V Athens, two traveled from Belgium through a connecting flight from the United Arab Emirates, while another came from Oman.

India has been experiencing a deadly resurgence following the spread of the B.1.617 variant, which, according to studies, carries mutations that allow it to get past the immune system and become more transmittable.

The Philippines has imposed a travel ban from April 29 to May 14 for passengers coming from India.

From May 7 to May 14, travelers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, including those who have been to said countries within 14 days before their travel to the Philippines, are also restricted. (SunStar Philippines)