Philippines’ COVID-19 tally tops 36,000 with 985 new cases

The Philippines’ tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases topped 36,000 on Monday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 985 more infections—643 “fresh” or newly validated and 342 reported late—bringing the total to 36,438.

Total recoveries also rose to 9,956 after 270 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease, while the death toll climbed to 1,255 with 11 new fatalities.

Among the fresh cases, 223 are from Metro Manila, 106 are from Region VII, while the remaining 314 are spread out across the country.

Among the late cases, 96 are from Metro Manila, 29 are from Region VII, while the 217 other patients came from various areas nationwide.

There are also 24,525 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 23,451 or 95.6 percent of which are mild, 922 are asymptomatic, while 126 are severe and 26 are in critical condition.

The DOH also said it removed two duplicate cases from the total tally of infections.

As of June 28, the Philippines has 53 certified polymerase chain reaction facilities and 19 GeneXpert laboratories that have tested a total of 636,291 individuals.

Meanwhile, 1,300 or 34.92 percent of intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 patients are currently occupied while 1,950 or 23.23 percent of mechanical ventilators are in use.

As of June 27, the Philippines has 50 certified polymerase chain reaction facilities and 19 GeneXpert laboratories that have tested a total of 636,291 individuals.

Meanwhile, 1,313 or 36.63 percent of intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 patients are currently occupied while 1,883 or 22.89 percent of mechanical ventilators are in use.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to announce his latest directives regarding quarantine measures on Tuesday. 

A group of experts earlier forecast that COVID-19 cases in the Philippines could reach 60,000 by July 31.  — BM, GMA News