Philippine COVID-19 cases breach 100,000 with record 5,032 infections

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines breached the 100,000 mark on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 5,032 more infections, the fourth all-time high in a row, bringing the total to 103,185.

This marks the first time during which more than 5,000 new cases were reported and brings the Philippines closer to having the highest number of infections across Southeast Asia, a title currently held by Indonesia with 109,936 cases.

The five provinces with the highest number of new cases were Metro Manila with 2,737, Cavite with 463, Cebu with 449, Laguna with 326, and Rizal with 201.

Total recoveries also rose to 65,557 after 301 more patients recovered from the respiratory illness, while the death toll climbed to 2,059 with 20 new fatalities.

There are also 35,569 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine.

The DOH said figures reported on Sunday were based on data submitted by 70 out of the 94 operational laboratories.

The department also removed 79 duplicate cases from the total tally of infections.

President Rodrigo Duterte and some Cabinet officials are set to meet later on Sunday to discuss the call of medical workers for Metro Manila to be reverted back to an enhanced community quarantine.

The DOH also vowed to work with the Office of the President in calling for a “time out” amid the unrelenting surge of COVID-19 cases. — DVM, GMA News