By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has urged the Negrenses to be cautious of the new strain of the coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19.

In his New Year’s Day message, Lacson said the residents of the province should not be complacent as COVID-19 will still remain this year, adding that there is a possibility that the new strain could be more dangerous since it is more infectious.

The governor also pointed out the importance of everyone’s cooperation by following the minimum health protocols.

The new COVID-19 strain, called the SARS-CoV-2 VUI 202012/01 or “B.1.1.7.,” was first discovered in the United Kingdom in September 2020 and is believed to be responsible for the recent spike in cases.

Although noted to be 70% more infectious, it is believed that the new strain could be less deadlier than the original COVID-19 strain.

So far the Philippines has not yet recorded any case of the new strain.

As part of the preventive measures, the country has already imposed a travel ban to some 20 countries until January 15.

These countries currently covered by the travel restrictions are United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, South Korea, South Africa, Spain, and the. /DGB, WDJ