Philippines' COVID-19 cases at 20,626 with 244 new infections

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country rose to 20,626 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 244 more infections, of which 168 are "fresh" or newly validated and 76 are late cases.

Meanwhile, 82 more patients have recovered from the virus, bringing the total to 4,330, while the death toll increased to 987 with three more fatalities.

Among the fresh cases, 24 are from Metro Manila, 127 are from Region VII or Central Visayas, and 17 are from other areas.

Among the late cases, 24 are from Metro Manila, 11 are from Region VII, while 41 are from other areas.

"Mababa na po ang bilang ng mga late cases na naitala natin ngayon sapagkat halos tapos na po ang pagva-validate ng complete line list na galing sa ating mga laboratories," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said at a live briefing.

"Inaasahan po natin na mag-uumpisa na po tayo na makapag-report ng fresh cases matapos mag-submit ng complete line list ang nag-iisang laboratoryo na lang na inaantay natin," she added -MDM, GMA News