2,006 new COVID-19 infections push tally close to 379,000

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported 2,006 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, bringing the total tally to 378,933, as 13 laboratories failed to submit their reports on time.

According to the DOH, the areas with the highest number of new infections were Batangas with 124, Cavite with 121, Quezon City with 105, Rizal with 89, and Bulacan with 81.

The DOH also announced that total recoveries rose to 330,457 after 636 more patients recovered from the illness.

Meanwhile, 38 new fatalities brought the nationwide death toll to 7,185. Among this, 15 occurred in October, 11 in September, seven in August, one in July, two in June, and two in May.

Of the 41,291 remaining active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 83.3 percent are mild, 11.1 percent are asymptomatic, 2 percent are severe, and 3.6 percent are in critical condition.

Data from the DOH also showed that 54 percent of the country’s intensive care unit beds remain available while 77 percent of the mechanical ventilators are ready for use.

The Philippines on Thursday dropped out of the top 20 countries with the most number of COVID-19 cases across the globe.

Meanwhile, a task group has been formed by the Philippine Government in preparation for its COVID-19 vaccination program.

At present, more than 4.88 million people have been reported to be infected by the illness globally and 1,177,921 have died. -MDM, GMA News