Philippines sees 70 more COVID-19 recoveries as cases rise to 7,777

The number of patients who have recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rose to 932 on Monday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 70 more recoveries as cases nationwide surged to 7,777 with 198 new infections.

This marks the second day in a row that 70 new recoveries were recorded, while the death toll climbed to 511 after 10 more patients succumbed to the respiratory illness.

Out of the 6,334 active cases, 50 are in severe condition while 31 are critical.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said 80,015 people have been tested for COVID-19 as of Sunday.

Of this number, 87.9 percent tested negative while 11.94 percent were positive.

Nineteen laboratories nationwide have so far been certified to conduct independent COVID-19 testing, while 47 other facilities are applying for accreditation.

The Philippines has the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities across Southeast Asia, trailing behind Indonesia which reported 8,882 infections with 743 deaths on Sunday.—LDF, GMA News