Philippines’ logs 3,637 new COVID-19 infections, total at 213,131

The Philippines on Saturday reported 3,637 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, bringing the total to 213,131, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Most of the new cases reported came from the National Capital Region with 2,030, followed by Laguna with 217, Rizal with 155, Cavite with 142, and Batangas with 113.

A total of 50 duplicate cases were also removed from the total case count.

The DOH also announced that total recoveries rose to 135,101 after 655 more patients recovered from the virus while 94 new fatalities brought the death toll to 3,419.

Among the new deaths, 81 or 86 percent occurred in August, 12 or 13 percent occurred in July, and one percent occurred in June.

There are also 74,611 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine. Of this, 91.3 percent are mild, 6.7 percent are asymptomatic, 0.8 percent are severe, and 1.1 percent are in critical condition.

At present, the Philippines has 84 certified polymerase chain reaction facilities and 28 GeneXpert laboratories that have tested a total of 2,353,506 individuals.

Meanwhile, 49 percent of the country’s intensive care unit beds for patients are occupied while 28 percent of its ventilators are being used.

Experts from the University of the Philippines has projected that the country’s COVID-19 cases may reach 375,000 by the end of September. -MDM, GMA News