Philippine COVID-19 death toll climbs to 11; 29 new cases recorded

The death toll due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines rose to 11 on Sunday afternoon after three new deaths were reported.

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases has climbed to 140 with 29 new infections.

The Department of Health (DOH) identified the new fatalities as Patients 9, 54, and 39 while the deaths recorded on Saturday were those of Patients 89 and 79.

Patient 89 is a 67-year-old Filipino male from San Fernando, Pampanga. He died of acute respiratory failure on March 11 but had several pre-existing medical conditions.

Patient 79 is a 68-year-old male Makati City resident with no travel history or exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case. He died of acute respiratory failure on March 13 but also had other medical conditions such as hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

Patient 9 is an 86-year-old American male residing in Marikina City with a history of travel to the United States and South Korea. He died on Saturday due to multiple organ failure, septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and also had several other underlying medical conditions.

Patient 54 is a 40-year-old Filipino male from Pasig City with no travel history or exposure to known COVID-19 cases. He died of acute respiratory distress syndrome on Sunday.

Patient 39 is a 64-year-old male from Negros Oriental who had recently traveled to Greenhills in San Juan City. He died of chronic renal disease on Sunday. Provincial authorities have identified him as a town councilor.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque said confirmed cases are expected to rise with more testing.

Metro Manila has been placed on a month-long community quarantine beginning Sunday, March 15.— LA/JST, GMA News