Philippines’ COVID-19 cases cross 450,000

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines grew to 450,733 on Monday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,339 new infections, with 20 laboratories unable to submit data on time.

Quezon City tallied the highest number of new cases at 147, followed by Davao City with 124, Rizal with 65, Laguna with 50, and Manila with 49.

Total recoveries also hit 418,723 after 41 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease, while the death toll climbed to 8,757 with 24 new fatalities.

There are also 23,253 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine.

Experts from the OCTA Research group earlier said the Philippines’ COVID-19 caseload would near 500,000 by the end of the year due to holiday festivities. 

Meanwhile, the DOH said China’s Sinovac vaccine was already undergoing initial review by the Food and Drug Administration as it awaits the approval of the Ethics Review Board. 

Malacañang previously said the Sinovac vaccine was the government’s top pick despite allegations that the Chinese firm engaged in bribery to hasten the approval of its vaccines.—LDF/GMA News