Philippines’ COVID-19 cases rise to 14,319; recoveries up to 3,323

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 284 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Monday, raising the total to 14,319 in the final week of the modified enhanced community quarantine over Metro Manila and other high-risk areas.

Total recoveries also rose to 3,323 after 74 more patients recovered from the respiratory illness, while the death toll climbed to 873 with five new fatalities.

Among the new cases, 171 or 60 percent were from Metro Manila, 70 were from Region VII, while the remaining 43 were spread out across the country.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque earlier said that the Philippines now has the capacity to run more than 30,000 tests per day, a goal

However, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire clarified that the certified laboratories are not yet able to perform at their maximum capacity due to a shortage of supplies and staff. 

DOH data as of May 23 show that the 42 accredited laboratories were only able to process 8,283 samples and test 7,283 unique individuals, while there were 4,166 backlogs remaining.

The highest number of daily tests conducted was 11,509 on May 14.

Meanwhile, the latest facility to be licensed was the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, while 120 others are undergoing the laboratory accreditation process. —LDF, GMA News