Here's a Heads Up from reportr on news that you need to know today, Jan. 13:
- The Philippine Red Cross ran a pilot test of saliva-based COVID testing, which is faster and cheaper compared to RT-PCR or wab testing.
- Herd immunity against COVID-19 is unlikely to happen this year, according to the WHO. In Malaysia, its king declared a State of Emergency due to a surge in infections.
- The Philippines expanded its arrivals ban until Jan. 15 to China and several other jurisdictions. Check out the full list here.
- More leads have emerged on the role of party drugs in the death of flight attendant Christine Dacera.
- Dacera's mother, Sharon, said the initial autopsy on her daughter failed to acknolwedge signs of sexual abuse.
- Who's back in government? Former DOJ Sec. Vitaliano Aguirre. He is now commissioner of Napolcom, in charge of policing the Philippine National Police.
- Cash-in on GCash via 7-Eleven is temporarily unavailable. Here are your other top-up options.
Here's an update on COVID-19 cases as of 4 p.m. of Jan. 12: