959 new COVID-19 cases push Philippines’ tally to over 478,000

The Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caseload reached 478,761 on Monday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 959 new infections as three laboratories failed to submit reports on time.

Quezon City recorded the highest number of new cases at 73, followed by Davao City with 70, Rizal with 58, Agusan Del Sur with 44, and Laguna with 41.

The DOH said the low number of new infections was “due to a decrease in the number of patients seen in COVID-19 laboratories during the New Year.”

“The DOH reminds the public to be cautious in interpreting these numbers as an increase in cases in the coming weeks is still possible. The DOH continues to assess the extent of the effects of the holiday season on COVID-19 transmission,” it added.

Total recoveries also rose to 448,279 after 26 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease.

The death toll climbed to 9,263 with six new fatalities, marking the fourth consecutive day with single-digit new deaths.

There are also 21,219 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier said any possible surge in COVID-19 cases driven by holiday festivities would not be evident until January 15 due to the incubation period of the virus. 

Meanwhile, the DOH revoked the license of one testing laboratory over its repeated failure to submit data on time. Four other non-compliant laboratories are set to lose their licenses as well. 

Manila’s ambassador to Beijing Chito Sto. Romana also said Chinese firms Sinopharm and Sinovac would apply for emergency use authorization for their COVID-19 vaccines with the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration this week. —LDF, GMA News