In this September 21, 2021 picture, a nurse injects a COVID-19 vaccine into a person鈥檚 arm. (AP file photo / Rogelio Solis)
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Wednesday said it is possible that the new COVID-19 variant is already in the Philippines.
Singapore is grappling with a COVID-19 surge due to new variant nicknamed 鈥淔LiRT.鈥�
During a briefing in Malaca帽ang, Herbosa was asked if this strain is now present in the country.
READ: DOH sees 鈥榮mall increase鈥� in COVID-19 infections
鈥淚t鈥檚 possible, athough the variant isn鈥檛 serious. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 only classified as a variant under monitoring,鈥� said Herbosa.
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The Department of Health is observing the situation in Singapore.
鈥淭hey reported an increase in cases, and it鈥檚 filling up their hospitals. So we are watching ours. We still don鈥檛 have that number. We are asking our doctors and hospitals to report antigen testing,鈥� Herbosa noted.
He will not endorse travel restrictions.
鈥淚 will not recommend any border control, banning travel or whatever to Singapore or to India,鈥� said Herbosa.