The Philippines on Monday tallied 4,405 new COVID-19 cases as it recorded its first case of coronavirus variant that is under monitoring by the World Health Organization.
The day's tally brought active cases to 57,763, with 7,561 new recoveries and 149 new deaths reported.
Overall, a total of 2,761,307 COVID-19 cases have been reported since the pandemic began in March 2020, of which 2,661,602 have recovered and 41,942 died.
The B.1.1.318 variant of the coronavirus, first reported in the island nation of Mauritius, was found in the sample that was taken from a 34-year-old male last March 10. It can take up to weeks, even months, to check for variants among positive samples.
The WHO classifies B.1.1.318 as "under monitoring" last June. This is different from variants of concern that are spreading or have spread and are given Greek names such as Delta.
Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila is expected to last unitl the end of October. Cemeteries nationwide are closed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 to prevent crowds during the Day of the Dead.
The country has a goal of 1.5 million Filipinos vaccinated daily for a "happy Christmas" vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. said as more jabs become available for the general public and minors.
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