Philippines records 380 new COVID-19 cases; total tops 15,000

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines breached the 15,000 mark on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 380 new infections, bringing the total to 15,049.

This is the highest number of new cases in a single day since 414 new infections were announced on April 6.

Total recoveries also rose to 3,506 after 94 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease, while the death toll climbed to 904 with 18 new fatalities.

Among the confirmed cases, 10,639 are active cases or undergoing treatment or quarantine.

Experts from the University of the Philippines earlier urged the government not to ease quarantine restrictions over areas at high risk for COVID-19 transmission, citing the continued upward trend of infections in many cities in the capital region. 

The recommendation came after Metro Manila mayors unanimously agreed to downgrade the entire region to a more relaxed general community quarantine after May 31. 

Meanwhile, certified laboratories nationwide have tested 282,923 individuals as of May 25, 7.6 percent of whom were found positive for COVID-19.

DOH data also show that the number of tests conducted daily recently dropped below the April 30 target of at least 8,000 tests per day, with only 5,535 tests performed on May 25. —LDF, GMA News