Here's a Heads Up from reportr on news that you need to know today, Jan. 25:
- The Philippine Red Cross will start today saliva testing for COVID-19. It's faster, cheaper and painless compared to the RT-PCR or swab test. Here's how you can book one.
- If you need a swab test (it's a requirement for international flights), here are your test at home options.
- Christine Dacera's mother, Sharon, answered talk on the internet that the family was after insurance payoffs. Here's her take on bashers.
- Turns out, the UK COVID-19 variant has been in the Philippines as far back as Dec. 10, according to backtesting. Such virus surveillance is important in preventing outbreaks and ensuring the efficacy of vaccines.
- Testing czar Benjamin Magalong urged local government executives to show the "real" COVID-19 numbers through proper testing and tracing. Don't make the data look good to increase chances of reelection next year, he said.
- Television talk legend Larry King has passed away. His eponymous program helped establish CNN to be the news force that it is today.
- Social media star Ivana Alawi went viral for using LYKA gems to buy a P3.7-million car. Here's what we know about LYKA.
- We found a cafe that sells cappuccinos for P1,000 a pop. It's served in Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Versace cups.
- The UP oval is shut until Feb. 4 as a precaution against the UK COVID-19 variant that was detected from a patient in Quezon City.
Here's an update on COVID-19 cases as of 4 p.m. of Jan. 24: