1,470 new infections bring Philippines’ COVID-19 tally to over 454,000

Published December 17, 2020 04:18 PM By JULIA MARI ORNEDO,GMA News

The tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines reached 454,447 on Thursday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,470 new infections as eight laboratories failed to submit data on time.

Quezon City recorded the highest number of new cases at 74, followed by Rizal with 64, Makati with 58, Davao City with 55, and Quezon province with 46.

The total number of recoveries rose to 419,902 after 633 more patients recovered from the respiratory illness, while the death toll increased to 8,850 with 17 new fatalities.

There are also 25,695 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine.

Meanwhile, the DOH and experts from the OCTA Research group warned of a surge in infections over the holiday season

that could equal those suffered by the United States and Canada after Thanksgiving. 

The Philippines may once again see up to 4,000 new cases daily if no interventions are undertaken, the researchers said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier ordered healthcare facilities and local government units to brace for a surge in cases during the holidays. 

Health authorities urged the public not participate in activities involving singing or shouting to minimize spray of saliva that could lead to COVID-19 transmission. — RSJ, GMA News

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