Philippines’ COVID-19 cases exceed 447,000 with 1,504 new infections

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines climbed to 447,039 on Friday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,504 new infections as 12 laboratories failed to submit data on time.

According to the DOH, Davao City recorded the highest number of new cases with 122, followed by Rizal with 85, Quezon City with 80, Santiago City with 67, and Bulacan with 64.

Meanwhile, 273 more patients have recovered from the illness, bringing the total to 409,329, while the death toll climbed to 8,709 with eight new fatalities.

Five duplicate cases were also removed from the total case count while one case previously tagged as recovered was reclassified as a fatality.

Of the 29,001 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 85.8% are mild, 6.7% are asymptomatic, 2.4% are severe, and 4.8% are in critical condition.

Data from the DOH showed that 58% of the country’s intensive care unit beds are available while 80% of the mechanical ventilators are ready for use.

The agency has advised the public to give Christmas gifts that will ensure safety and protection from the COVID-19 due to the threat of transmission.

It also discouraged the use of "totorot" or the traditional yuletide revelry horn, advising Filipinos to use alternatives such as drums and vehicle horns.

Meanwhile, at least 68,884,640 individuals have tested positive for the illness across the globe. Of this, 1,570,398 have died while 43,860,500 have recovered.—AOL, GMA News