Philippines’ COVID-19 cases top 27,000 with 457 new infections

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines topped 27,000 on Wednesday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 457 more infections—342 “fresh” or newly validated and 115 reported late—bringing the total to 27,238.

Total recoveries also rose to 6,820 after 268 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease, while the death toll climbed to 1,108 with five more fatalities.

Among the fresh cases, 144 are from Metro Manila, 101 are from Region VII, while the remaining 97 are spread out across the country.

Among the late cases, 29 are from Metro Manila, 59 are from Region VII, while the 27 other patients came from various areas nationwide.

As of June 16, the Philippines has 45 certified polymerase chain reaction facilities and 15 GeneXpert laboratories that have tested a total of 485,611 individuals.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier clarified that the steroid treatment dexamethasone is not a “magic pill” against COVID-19 as the promising findings of United Kingdom researchers on the drug are yet to be peer reviewed. 

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other health officials will be probed by the Office of the Ombudsman for their handling of the government’s coronavirus response. —LDF, GMA News