Philippines’ COVID-19 recoveries climb to 572 as cases rise to 6,259

The number of patients who have recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continued to widen its lead over the death toll on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 56 new recoveries and 12 more fatalities.

This brings the total recoveries to 572 and the total deaths to 409 as cases nationwide surged to 6,259 with 172 new infections.

It has now been five days since the number of recovered patients surpassed the death toll and seven consecutive days where more new recoveries were reported than new fatalities.

Data from the DOH show that 52,837 individuals had been tested for COVID-19 as of Saturday, 86.4 percent of whom tested negative while 13.6 percent were positive.

Seventeen laboratories nationwide have so far been certified to conduct independent COVID-19 testing.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte is set to speak with health experts on Monday to discuss the possible extension or modification of the Luzon-wide quarantine that will expire on April 30.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said it was more likely that the quarantine will be extended or modified rather than lifted.

The president has repeatedly said that he will lift the quarantine once pharmaceutical giants roll-out an alleged antibody treatment for the respiratory illness. — DVM, GMA News