Philippines’ COVID-19 tally now at 68,898 with 1,521 new cases

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines was recorded at 68,898 on Monday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,521 more infections—1,209 “fresh” or newly validated and 312 reported late.

This marks the sixth consecutive day where over 1,300 new cases were reported.

The five provinces with the highest number of new infections were Metro Manila with 1,237, Cavite with 51, Laguna with 51, Rizal with 34, and Davao del Sur with 22.

Total recoveries also rose to 23,072 after 607 more patients recovered from the respiratory illness, while the death toll climbed to 1,835 with four new fatalities.

There are also 43,991 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 90.6 percent of which are mild, 8.5 percent are asymptomatic, 0.4 percent are severe, and 0.5 percent are in critical condition.

The DOH said figures reported on Monday were based on data submitted by 62 out of the 84 operational laboratories.

The department also removed 79 duplicate cases from the total tally of infections.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier said the DOH was monitoring 638 clusters of infection nationwide, 513 of which were within communities while 49 were in hospitals. —LDF, GMA News