1,776 new COVID-19 cases push Philippines’ total over 483,000

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines rose to 483,852 on Friday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 1,776 new infections as five laboratories failed to submit data on time.

Bulacan reported the highest number of new cases on Friday with 99, followed by Davao City with 96, Quezon City with 83, Rizal with 80, and Laguna with 64.

Meanwhile, 285 more patients have recovered from the illness, bringing the total to 449,330, while eight new fatalities brought the death toll to 9,364.

The DOH said seven duplicate cases were also removed from the total case count while one case previously tagged as recovered was reclassified as fatality.

Of the remaining 25,158 cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 82.6% are mild, 8.6% are asymptomatic, 2.9% are severe, and 5.4% are in critical condition.

Based on data from the DOH, 60% of the country’s intensive care unit beds are available while 79% of the mechanical ventilators are ready for use.

Earlier, the DOH said the public should not be complacent in the  battle against COVID-19 amid presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's claim that the "worst is over."

Meanwhile, 15,000 participants are being scouted in the country for the World Health Organization's Solidarity Trial of COVID-19 vaccines which will start by the end of January or in February.—AOL, GMA News