HEADS UP: New COVID Variant is Here, Better Be Prepared (Jan. 14)

Here's a Heads Up from reportr on news that you need to know today, Jan: 14.

• The Philippines has confirmed its first case of the UK COVID-19 virus variant which is more contagious without being more dangerous.
• Here's what we know so far about the new variant. Here's a list of countries and jurisdictions with cases of the new strain and from which arrivals are banned until Jan. 15.
  
• A variant is different from a virus strain. Here's our explainer.
• We are watching a Department of Health briefing at 10 a.m. today and another government briefing at 12:45 p.m. on COVID vaccines.
• Here's our primer on COVID-19 vaccines in the Philippines, which brands are coming and what will it take to buy and transport them.
• Here's a recap of President Rodrigo Duterte's weekly speech. This one was delivered last night, Jan. 13.
• The MRT is launching its own contact-tracing app next week.
• The preliminary investigation on the Christine Dacera case was held yesterday. After which, state prosecutors will decide whether or not criminal charges will be filed in court.
• WhatsApp changed its privacy policy, prompting an exodus to rivals platforms. Viber, which is dominant in the Philippines, called the new policy "outrageous." Telegram added 25 million users in 72 hours.
• Authorities warned against eating shellfish from areas with red tide.
• With traffic jams in the metropolis touted as ninth worst in the world, MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos floated the idea of elevated busway ramps over u-turn slots.
• How do mayors become presidents? In this explainer, we analyze how President Rodrigo Duterte carved the city hall-to-presidential palace path.

Here's an update on COVID-19 cases as of 4 p.m. of Jan. 13: