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Philippines’ COVID-19 death toll rises to 107; cases now 2,633


The Philippines’ death toll from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continued to climb on Thursday to 107 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 11 more fatalities as Luzon marked its third week on lockdown.

In a virtual press conference, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III also confirmed 322 more cases, bringing the total number of infections nationwide to 2,633.

Meanwhile, the number of people who have recovered from the respiratory illness likewise rose to 51 one more patient was discharged from hospital.

The DOH earlier explained that the country’s increased testing capacity fueled the surge of COVID-19 cases that started in March after several sub-national laboratories became operational.

Western Visayas

Duque announced that the Western Visayas Medical Center received certification to conduct independent COVID-19 testing on Wednesday.

This brings the number of laboratories in Visayas conducting COVID-19 testing to two and the accredited testing centers nationwide to eight.

Duque also said that 1,275 people have so far tested negative for COVID-19, while DOH data show that there are 1,154 persons under investigation and 6,321 others under monitoring for possible infection.

A total of 4,344 people have been tested for the disease as of Thursday afternoon.

Philippines joins solidarity trial

Duque also announced that the Philippines will join the solidarity trial of the World Health Organization, which seeks to find a cure for COVID-19.

The country will be represented by Dr. Marissa Alejandria of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases while Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire will be the DOH’s official liaison to the WHO.

Launched in March, the solidarity trial has been joined by over 45 countries.

The first patients to be enrolled were from Norway and Spain.

OCD to process donations

The DOH stressed that the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is mandated under Administrative Order No. 27 to consolidate and properly allocate donations for healthcare facilities and workers.

Duque made the statement after netizens questioned the sudden designation of the OCD as the hub for COVID-19 donations.

However, the health chief stressed that those who wish to bring their donations directly to their intended recipients are still free to do so.

The DOH also reported that they distributed 15,000 sets of protective gear to several designated COVID-19 referral centers and quarantine facilities on Thursday.—LDF/NB, GMA News

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