Philippines reports 1,097 new COVID-19 cases; total nears 477,000

The Philippines’ tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases rose to 476,916 on Saturday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,097 new infections as 15 laboratories failed to submit data on time.

According to the DOH, the labs failed to submit their results due to the temporary unavailability of the COVID-19 Document Repository System.

“This was resolved immediately, and while the impact has been minimal, we are coordinating with all involved laboratories to ensure that all results are uploaded as soon as possible,” it said.

Meanwhile, Davao Del Norte reported the highest number of new cases with 65. This was followed by Davao City with 60, Laguna with 53, Batangas with 48, and Cavite with 43.

Forty-seven more patients have also recovered from the illness, bringing the total to 439,942, while the nationwide death toll climbed to 9,253 with five new fatalities.

A single duplicate case was also removed from the total case count.

Of the remaining 27,721 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 82.3 percent are mild, 9.8 percent are asymptomatic, 2.6 percent are severe, and 4.9 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.

In a statement sent to reporters, the DOH said the Philippine Genome Center has not detected the new variant of COVID-19 in the country.

The DOH said all RT-PCR positive specimens from countries with the confirmed UK variant are set to undergo genome sequencing on Monday, January 4.

“Rest assured that the DOH is working with relevant agencies to ensure that stricter measures of control are being implemented in all ports of entry,” the Health Department said.

“Meanwhile, we urge everyone to keep practicing the minimum public health standards — the only universally effective protocol against any mutation, variant, or strain,” it added.

The Philippines has a travel ban on passengers coming from the United Kingdom and other countries over the new variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. — DVM, GMA News