Philippines reports 4,933 new COVID-19 cases; total surpasses 187,000

The Philippines on Saturday reported 4,933 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, bringing the nationwide tally of cases to 187,249, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

This marks the fifth consecutive day where more than 4,000 cases have been reported. A total of 49 duplicate cases were also removed from the total case count.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region has reported the highest number of new cases with 2,845 cases, followed by Cavite with 461, Laguna with 288, Rizal with 167, and Bulacan with 152.

Total recoveries also rose to 114,921 after 436 more patients recovered from the illness, while 26 more fatalities brought the death toll to 2,966.

Among the new deaths, 13 or 50 percent occurred in August, 10 or 38 percent in July, one or four percent in June, one or four percent in May, and one or four percent in April.

There are also 69,362 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine. Among this, 91.5 percent are mild, 6.6 percent are asymptomatic, 0.8 percent are severe, and 1.1 percent are in critical condition.

As of August 21, 48 percent of the country’s intensive care unit beds for patients are occupied while 31 percent of ventilators are being used.

Meanwhile, the Gamelaya Research Institute of Russia has said that its anti-COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V can offer immunity against the illness for at least two years. -MDM, GMA News