Thread by @cnnphilippines

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• Experts warn of faster spread of coronavirus in Metro Manila
• DOH denies new COVID-19 variant now in PH
• PH signs deal for 30 million doses of Covovax

DOH Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire: We've seen an increase in COVID-19 cases in the past 4 days compared to our 7-day moving average since the holidays bit.ly/3i5kqFq

DOH says the increasing number of COVID-19 cases may be due to people engaging in holiday festivities. Spokesperson Vergeire suggests waiting another week to conclude if this is the surge.

DOH on devotees flocking to Quiapo Church for the Feast of the Black Nazarene: People ignored our warnings. This might aggravate our situation.

DOH says Black Nazarene Feast effects on COVID-19 situation may manifest by end of January

DOH denies social media posts claiming that the new COVID-19 variants have been detected in the country.

4 variants are currently being monitored, spokesperson Vergeire adds.

DOH: You can only determine if the new COVID-19 variant is here if you undergo genome sequencing. You won't know through symptoms.

DOH: Don't add fear to public with irresponsible statements, posts

https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines/status/1348765192390250496

Faberco Life Sciences medical director Dr. Luningning Villa: Covovax is developed by United States-based biotechnology company Novavax. The doses will be available to the Philippines beginning the third quarter of 2021 bit.ly/3i5kqFq

Faberco medical director: There are 50,000 study participants in Covovax clinical trials, results are encouraging so far

Faberco medical director: We're ready to cater to all sectors that would be interested to have the Covovax vaccine. We're waiting for cue from vaccine czar.

Faberco medical director: 18-84 year-olds are part of the clinical trials for Covovax vaccine. It's also being tested on healthy, HIV-positive patients.

Faberco medical director on Covovax vaccine: The genetic sequence of a spiked protein is included in the vaccine. It has a plant-based adjuvant that could boost the immune response of the body.

Faberco medical director on Covovax: The vaccine can be transported and stored at regular temperatures in our existing cold chain systems. It's not too complicated, difficult to handle.

Faberco medical director on Covovax vaccine: We’re expecting interim results next month. We will have solid evidence by the second quarter for the efficacy and safety of the vaccine.