Philippine COVID-19 cases top 445,000 with 1,383 new infections

The Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tally hit 445,540 on Thursday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,383 new infections as nine laboratories failed to submit reports on time.

Quezon City tallied the highest number of new cases at 83, followed by Laguna with 75, Manila City with 68, Bulacan with 65, and Davao City with 61.

Recoveries now total 409,058 after 133 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease, while the death toll climbed to 8,701 with 24 new fatalities.

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

There are also 27,781 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine.

Meanwhile, the DOH encouraged the public to give face masks and DIY projects as gifts over the holiday season to promote “safe” celebrations amid the pandemic.

Filipinos were also discouraged from using “torotot” or horns during New Year’s festivities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.—AOL, GMA News