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MANILA - Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday said he would recommend stricter border controls after two cases of India's COVID-19 variant were detected in the Philippines.

The Indian variant, named B.1.617, is believed to be more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus. It was detected in 2 returning Filipino workers from the Middle East.

• DOH confirms 2 cases of India's COVID-19 variant in PH

As these Philippine cases were not direct travelers from India, Duque was asked if he would suggest stricter border controls.

"I will recommend that certainly," the health secretary told ANC's Headstart.

He added, he would "seek the counsel" of the World Health Organization's representative to the country whether it is necessary to broaden the travel ban to all territories with reported cases of the Indian coronavirus variant.

• Indian Covid-19 variant found in 44 countries, all regions: WHO

The government last week announced a ban on arrivals from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka until May 14 to prevent the entry of the COVID-19 variant. It also covered those who had been to these countries within 14 days immediately before arrival to the Philippines.

• Philippines expands travel ban as precaution vs Indian COVID-19 variant

The infected Filipinos were from Oman and the United Arab Emirates, according to Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire.

Duque said both cases were quarantined and "have completely recovered." He said one case was asymptomatic, while the other showed symptoms a day after arriving in the country.

"It’s impossible that they have exposed others without our authorities not knowing," he said.

He noted that the symptomatic patient did not show "any extraordinary signs and symptoms or serious clinical condition."

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