Philippines logs 3,314 new COVID-19 cases, total soars to 164,474

The Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tally soared to 164,474 after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 3,314 new infections on Monday, the sixth consecutive day in which over 3,000 new cases were reported.

The five provinces with the highest number of new cases were Metro Manila with 1,918, Laguna with 274, Cavite with 219, Rizal with 118, and Bulacan with 105.

Eighty-six percent or 2,854 of the newly reported cases contracted COVID-19 in the past two weeks, between August 4 and 17.

The total number of recoveries also rose to 112,759 after 237 more patients recovered from the respiratory illness, while the death toll climbed to 2,681 with 18 new fatalities.

There are also 49,034 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 91.1 percent of which are mild, 6.5 percent are asymptomatic, 1 percent are severe, and 1.4 percent are in critical condition.

The DOH said figures reported on Monday were based on data submitted by 91 out of the 105 operational laboratories.

A total of 93 duplicate cases were also removed from the total tally of infections.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to announce his latest directives on quarantine restrictions later on Monday. 

Metro Manila mayors earlier recommended a return to the less stringent general community quarantine but underscored the need for “stricter” implementation. —LDF, GMA News