Philippines’ COVID-19 cases top 26,000 with 490 new infections

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines breached the 26,000 mark on Monday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 490 more infections—348 “fresh” or newly validated and 142 reported late—bringing the total to 26,420.

Total recoveries also rose to 6,252 after a record-high 298 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease, while the death toll climbed to 1,098 with 10 new fatalities.

This marks the fifth straight day that more than 200 new recoveries were reported and the fourth consecutive day of double-digit new deaths.

Among the fresh cases, 131 are from Metro Manila, 79 are from Region VII, while the remaining 138 are spread out across the country.

Among the late cases, 21 are from Metro Manila, five are from Region VII, while the 116 other patients came from various areas nationwide.

As of June 13, the Philippines has 44 certified polymerase chain reaction facilities and 15 GeneXpert laboratories that have tested a total of 467,564 individuals. 

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to address the nation Monday night on his latest directives on quarantine restrictions.

Malacañang earlier said the government’s inter-agency COVID-19 task force was tackling appeals of several local government units regarding their quarantine classification. —LDF, GMA News