1,721 new cases push Philippine COVID-19 total to over 461k

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines reached 461,505 on Monday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,721 new infections as five laboratories failed to submit data on time.

Davao City recorded the highest number of new cases at 151, followed by Quezon City with 142, Rizal with 85, Laguna with 81, and Manila with 77.

Recoveries now total 429,207 after 82 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease, while the death toll rose to 8,957 with 10 new fatalities.

There are also 23,341 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine.

Meanwhile, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire assured the public that the new COVID-19 strain discovered in the United Kingdom had yet to reach the Philippines.

She said no new travel restrictions need to be imposed as only diplomats, businessmen, and Filipino citizens are currently allowed to enter the country.

Vergeire also said the COVAX Facility has guaranteed a supply of COVID-19 vaccines good for 22 million Filipinos in 2021.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. added that India vowed to supply the Philippines with 30 million doses of its Novavax vaccine in July 2021. -NB, GMA News