Philippines’ COVID-19 cases now 12,718; recoveries rise to 2,729

The cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines rose to 12,718 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 205 new infections on Monday, the first work day under loosened quarantine restrictions in most areas nationwide.

The DOH also announced 94 more recoveries, raising the total to 2,729, while the death toll climbed to 831 after seven more patients succumbed to the respiratory disease.

Among the new cases, 145 or 83 percent were from Metro Manila, 52 were from various areas of the country, while eight were from Region VII.

Amid reports of heavy traffic and lack of social distancing in public areas, Malacañang warned that the enhanced community quarantined can still be reinstated. 

The Palace also said that the government cannot afford to shoulder testing costs for private employees, even as 50 to 70 percent of the workforce returns to duty under the new quarantine measures.

“Ang pagbubukas po ng malls sa ilalim ng modified ECQ ay hindi po ginawa para hikayatin tayo na mag-malling. Ginawa ito para sa ating ekonomiya at nananatiling mga kumpanya na engaged sa essential services,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire underscored in a virtual press briefing.

“Kami ay nagpapaalala… hindi pa po tapos ang laban natin sa COVID-19. Tayo po ay nag-uumpisa pa lamang sa bagong kabanata ng laban na ito,” she added.—LDF, GMA News