MANILA, Philippines — 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. “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 decision to ease border restrictions comes as COVID-19 cases continue to decline.

Source: Philippine Star November 26, 2021 11:02 UTC