Philippines’ COVID-19 tally jumps to 70,764 with 1,951 new cases

The Philippines’ tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases jumped to 70,764 on Tuesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,951 more infections, 1,348 of which were “fresh” or newly validated and 603 were reported late.

This marks the seventh straight day where over 1,300 new cases were reported.

The five provinces with the highest number of new cases were Metro Manila with 1,464, Cebu with 90, Laguna with 74, Cavite with 53, and Rizal with 36.

Total recoveries also rose to 23,281 after 209 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease, while the death toll climbed to 1,837 with two new fatalities.

There are also 45,646 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 91.1 percent of which are mild, 8 percent are asymptomatic, 0.4 percent are severe, and 0.5 percent are in critical condition.

The DOH said figures reported on Tuesday were based on data submitted by 73 out of the 89 operational laboratories.

The department also removed 85 duplicate cases from the total tally of infections.

As of July 20, the Philippines had 68 certified polymerase chain reaction facilities and 23 GeneXpert laboratories that had tested a total of 1,106,866 individuals.

Meanwhile, 49.2 percent of intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 patients nationwide were occupied while 25.8 percent of mechanical ventilators were in use.— LDF/RSJ, GMA News