Philippines’ COVID-19 cases now 11,350; recoveries breach 2,000

The number of patients who have recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines topped 2,000 on Tuesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 107 more recoveries, raising the total to 2,106.

The DOH also confirmed 264 new infections, bringing cases nationwide to 11,350 while the death toll climbed to 751 after 25 more patients succumbed to the respiratory illness.

Among the new cases, 165 or 63 percent were from Metro Manila, 74 or 28 percent were from Region VII, while the remaining 25 or 9 percent were spread out across the country.

The three regions with the highest number of COVID-19 cases are Metro Manila with 7,123, Region VII with 1,600, and Region IV-A with 1,310.

Data from the DOH as of Monday show that out of the 8,361 active cases, 7,487 were mild, 796 were asymptomatic, 54 were severe, and 24 are critical.

There are also 2,369 probable COVID-19 cases and 17,744 suspects as of Monday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reported that 166,473 individuals had been tested for COVID-19 as of Monday, 90.4 percent of whom tested negative while 9.3 percent were positive.

She also announced that there are now 30 testing centers nationwide after four laboratories were recently accredited by the DOH. 

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte modified the enhanced community quarantine over Metro Manila and other areas at high risk for coronavirus transmission, which will last until May 31. 

The president also lifted the quarantine in 41 provinces and 11 cities considered to be at low risk. —LDF/BM, GMA News