News Roundup 26 November 2021
Nov 26, 2021 • 3 min Read
Philippines ‘intently’ monitoring new COVID-19 variant detected in South Africa | PHILSTARCOM – The Philippines is keeping a close watch on a new COVID-19 variant that was detected in South Africa, Malacañang said Friday, as the country prepares to welcome back foreign tourists. Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said the government is monitoring developments about the variant found to have a large number of mutations. “We are intently monitoring the situation. Our genomic surveillance is ongoing and we are coordinating with the World Health Organization,” Nograles said in Filipino. “We are in constant communication with the WHO and awaiting their advisories on whether it will be considered a variant of interest or a variant of concern,” he added. The detection of the variant, which scientists said could be more resistant to current vaccines, has prompted several Asian and European countries to tighten travel restrictions.
Robredo meets with local officials, supporters in Cavite | PHILSTAR.COM – Vice President Leni Robredo yesterday met with supporters and local officials in Cavite. Like in her previous visits in the provinces, Robredo, her running mate Sen. Francis Pangilinan and some senatorial candidates were welcomed by stationary caravans of pink-clad supporters. In the province considered a bailiwick of presidential aspirant Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Robredo and Pangilinan met with local officials, including Gov. Jonvic Remulla. She also met with Cavite 6th District Rep. Luis Ferrer IV and General Trias City Mayor Antonio Ferrer. The Vice President visited the Imus Cathedral to lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony of The Bell House, which houses the four Heritage Bells of Imus Cathedral from the 1800s. She likewise met with Imus Bishop Rey Evangelista and other parish priests in the diocese. During their Cavite visit, Robredo, Pangilinan and Senate bets Chel Diokno and Sonny Matula took part in “palugaw” outreach activities organized by supporters. Meanwhile, farmers groups have thrown their full support behind the bid of Robredo and Pangilinan. The Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (Pakisama) and the Banasi Farmers of Camarines Sur have launched a 90-day walk from Palawan to Quezon City for the tandem. Randy Sirio, Bansai president and member of the national council of Pakisama, said Pangilinan has been with them since he became a senator, helping farmers and fishermen in the provinces. Pangilinan thanked the farmers’ groups for their support.
Merck says COVID-19 pill cuts hospitalization, death risk by 30% | INQUIRER.NET – Merck & Co Inc said on Friday its experimental COVID-19 pill reduced the risk of hospitalization and death by 30% in a study, according to data from all the patients enrolled in a late-stage study. On October 1, Merck said its pill lowered the chance of hospitalization or death by about 50% in patients at risk for severe illness given the treatment within five days of onset. Merck did not provide figures regarding patients getting the pill within three days of onset. Merck’s pill, developed with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, is a nucleoside analog with a mechanism of action that aims to introduce errors into the genetic code of the virus. Because the drug generates random mutations into the virus, it is difficult for the coronavirus to evolve and become resistant.
DOH logs 863 new COVID-19 cases; assures strict border control amid coronavirus surge in Europe | Manila Bulletin – The Department of Health (DOH) detected 863 new people who contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Active cases nationwide totalled to 17,853 as of Friday, Nov. 26. These cases represent 0.6 percent of the country’s running tally which stood at 2,830,387. Of the still sick patients, 51.5 percent have mild symptoms, 21.57 percent were in moderate condition, 14.2 percent have severe symptoms, 6.1 percent were in critical condition, and 6.6 percent have no symptoms. The death toll soared to 48,017, which was equivalent to 1.70 percent of the case count after 142 more people died. Meanwhile, 791 more people got better, pushing the recovery tally to 2,764,517 or 97.7 percent of the case total.
