Philippine COVID-19 cases breach 9,000; deaths at 607

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines breached the 9,000 mark on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 295 new infections, raising the total to 9,223.

Total recoveries also rose to 1,214 after a record-high 90 more patients recovered from the respiratory illness.

This marked the highest single-day increase in recoveries since April 16.

Meanwhile, the death toll climbed to 607 after four more fatalities were recorded.

According to the DOH, 103,692 people had been tested for COVID-19 as of Friday, 89.1 percent of whom tested negative while 10.7 percent were positive.

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) earlier urged the DOH to speed up the accreditation of testing centers, citing the “insufficiency” of the country’s testing capacity.

The Department of Public Works and Highways said the Philippines would be able to conduct 31,000 tests daily by next week once four mega swabbing facilities become operational.

The PMA also said that over 30 healthcare workers have died on the line of duty from COVID-19.

The DOH previously reported that 1,694 health workers had contracted COVID-19 as of Thursday, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the country’s cases. — DVM, GMA News