Philippines greets 2021 with 1,765 new COVID-19 cases; total over 475,000

The Philippines on Friday greeted the new year with 1,765 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, bringing the nationwide tally to 475,820, as eight laboratories failed to submit data on time.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), Davao City reported the highest number of new cases with 100, followed by Rizal with 99, Cavite with 71, Quezon City with 70, and Manila with 69.

The DOH also announced that total recoveries rose to 439,895 with 106 new ones, while the death toll climbed to 9,248 after four more patients succumbed to the illness.

Nine duplicate cases were also removed from the total case count.

Of the remaining 26,677 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 81.9 percent are mild, 9.8 percent are asymptomatic, 2.7 percent are severe, and 5.1 percent are in critical condition.

Data from the DOH also showed that 64 percent of the country’s intensive care unit beds are available while 80 percent of the mechanical ventilators are ready for use.

Both the DOH and the OCTA Research team said a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country was likely during and after the holiday season.

Meanwhile, the Health Department said injuries related to the New Year festivities was down by 85 percent this year amid the prohibition in the use of firecrackers as well as mass gathering due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Philippine National Police also said that New Year celebrations nationwide had been generally peaceful although marred by at least two cases of indiscriminate firing of weapons, one involving a police officer. — DVM, GMA News