Theta variant first seen in Philippines removed as 'variant of interest'MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Genome Center official on Tuesday reported that the Theta variant of COVID-19 which was first seen in the country has been reclassified and is no longer a "variant of interest." Genome sequencing had showed there were 166 cases of the Theta variant or the P.3 in the Philippines as of July 4. Cutiongco-Dela Paz added that the WHO's move came after a decrease in reported detection of Theta cases across the globe. All cases have since recovered, and the PGC official said there remains no local cases of the Delta to date. "But we still need to remain vigilant and practice minimum public health standards," Cutiongco-Dela Paz added.

Source: Philippine Star July 13, 2021 06:56 UTC