The number of confirmed cases of the highly contagious B.1.1.7 (United Kingdom) variant of the coronavirus in the Philippines remains at 17, after the 48 specimens that recently underwent genomic sequencing yielded negative results for the new variant, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

“The Philiipine Genome Center (PGC) was able to sequence only 48 samples for the fourth batch of sequencing, and none of which was positive for the B.1.1.7 variant,” the DOH said in a statement.

“Of the 48 samples, 23 cases came from the National Capital Region which were mostly from Quezon City; 19 from Calabarzon with most cases from Laguna; four from the Cordillera Region; and two were returning overseas Filipinos,” it added.

The DOH said seven of these cases have already recovered from COVID-19, while the “rest are active – either asymptomatic or mild cases.”

The PGC was only able to sequence 48 samples “due to the global shortage of sequencing reagents,” the DOH said.

Meanwhile, “the PGC is also set to sequence another 48 samples this coming week, including samples from CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region) and other targeted areas, while waiting for the kits and reagents for genomic sequencing,” the DOH said.

The public were advised to strictly follow the health protocols amid the threat of the new coronavirus variant.

“While no new cases have been detected, the DOH reiterates that the minimum public health standards remain the best precautionary measure against COVID-19 infection regardless of the variant,” the DOH said.

“Thus, the public is urged to strictly adhere to these standards, especially when going to public places, by properly wearing face masks and face shields, maintaining a one-meter distance from other people, limiting the time of interaction to others, ensuring proper air circulation in any establishments or venues, and to regularly sanitize hands,” it added.