Philippines logs 1,990 new COVID-19 cases, total rises to 344,713

The Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caseload rose to 344,713 on Tuesday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,990 new infections as 17 laboratories failed to submit their data on time.

Metro Manila tallied the highest number of new cases at 580, followed by Cavite with 114, Rizal with 105, Laguna with 100, and Misamis Oriental with 94.

Ninety-two percent or 1,831 of the newly reported cases contracted COVID-19 in the past 14 days.

Total recoveries also rose to 293,383 after 327 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease while the death toll climbed to 6,372 with 40 new fatalities.

“Moreover, 11 cases previously tagged as recovered were reclassified as deaths,” the DOH added.

The remaining 44,958 are active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 84.2 percent of which are mild, 10.6 percent are asymptomatic, 1.7 percent are severe, and 3.4 percent are in critical condition.

The DOH said 47 percent of COVID-19 intensive care unit beds nationwide were occupied and 24 percent of mechanical ventilators were in use as of October 12.

Meanwhile, Malacañang earlier said the Cabinet approved the reduction of physical distancing in public transportation from one meter apart to only one seat apart. 

The Cabinet also expanded the age group allowed to leave their homes amid the pandemic and shortened curfew hours. 

The Philippines still ranks 18th worldwide in the number of COVID-19 cases.—LDF, GMA News