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Philippines’ COVID-19 cases breach 169,000 with 4,836 new infections


 

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines leapt to 169,213 on Tuesday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 4,836 new infections, marking the seventh straight day in which more than 3,000 new cases were reported.

Metro Manila still logged the highest number of new cases at 2,959, followed by Laguna with 321, Cavite with 220, Rizal with 185, and Bulacan with 145.

Among the newly reported cases, 4,223 or 87 percent contracted COVID-19 within the past 14 days.

Meanwhile, total recoveries also rose to 112,861 after 182 more patients recovered from the respiratory illness, while the death toll climbed to 2,687 with seven new fatalities.

There are also 53,665 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 91.5 percent of which are mild, 6.2 percent are asymptomatic, 0.9 percent are severe, and 1.3 percent are in critical condition.

The DOH said figures reported on Tuesday were based on data submitted by 84 out of the 105 operational laboratories.

Ninety-seven duplicate cases were also removed from the total tally of infections.

As of August 17, the Philippines had 109 licensed laboratories that had tested over 1.9 million individuals while 51 percent of COVID-19 intensive care unit beds nationwide were occupied and 28 percent of mechanical ventilators were in use.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier reimposed the more relaxed general community quarantine over Metro Manila and neighboring areas. 

Experts previously warned that a “premature” easing of restrictions may lead to 250,000 cases by the end of August. —LDF, GMA News

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