May 17, 2021 THE Department of Health (DOH) is still closely monitoring four of the 12 individuals who tested positive for the B.1.617 coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) variant that was first detected in India. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said one of the four has been intubated, while three others continue to rely on oxygen support. "Titingnan natin 'yung course ng sakit nila kung kompara sa other variants ay mas mahaba at mas nagwo-worsen," she said in a virtual press conference. She said the B.1.617 variant cases are being retested Monday, May 17, to check if they still have the virus. The DOH earlier said two seafarers who contracted the coronavirus have recovered and already went back home. They were included in the 12 individuals infected with the Indian variant.