4,351 new cases push Philippines’ COVID-19 tally to almost 158,000

The Philippines on Saturday reported 4,351 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, bringing the nationwide total to 157,918, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

This marks the fourth consecutive day where over 4,000 cases were reported.

Meanwhile, the provinces or cities with the highest number of new cases are the National Capital Region with 2,460, Laguna with 232, Cavite with 211, Cebu with 187, and Rizal with 184.

Ninety-three cases were also removed from the total case count.

Total recoveries also rose to 72,209 after 885 more patients have recovered from the illness, while the death toll in the country increased to 2,600 with 159 new fatalities.

Among the new deaths, 57 or 36% occurred in August, 61 or 38% in July, 37 or 23% in June, three or 2% in May, and one or one percent in April.

There are also 83,109 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine. Of this, 91 percent are mild, 7.5 percent are asymptomatic, 0.6 percent are severe, and 0.9 percent are in critical condition.

At present, the Philippines has 80 certified polymerase chain reaction facilities and 27 GeneXpert laboratories that have tested a total of 1,859,942 individuals.

Meanwhile, 50 percent of intensive care unit beds for patients are occupied while 29 percent of ventilators are being used.

According to a “24 Oras News Alert,” the DOH will regularly report time-based recoveries under “Oplan Recover” initiative starting Sunday, August 16.

This refers to the mild and asymptomatic cases who have finished their 14-day quarantine after they first developed symptoms and willl be considered recovered.

On July 30, the Philippines reported a record-high single day recoveries of 38,075 due to “enhanced data reconciliation efforts with local governments.” -MDM, GMA News