Philippines’ COVID-19 tally nears 539K

The Department of Health on Monday announced 1,690 new COVID-19 infections, raising the nationwide total to 538,995, as five laboratories failed to submit data on time.

Latest data from the DOH showed that total recoveries also climbed to 499,772 after 23 more patients defeated the respiratory illness, while 52 fatalities brought the death toll to 11,231.

The DOH noted that four duplicates were removed from the total case count, while 46 cases previously tagged as recovered were reclassified as deaths after final validation.

“In addition, 1 case was found to have tested negative and has been removed from the total case count. This was a recovered case,” the DOH said.

Of the remaining 27,992 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 88.5% are mild, 5.4% are asymptomatic, 2.8% are critical, 2.7% are severe and 0.63% are moderate.

Moreover, the DOH also said 62% of the country’s intensive care unit beds are available, while 79% mechanical ventilators are ready for use.

Earlier in the day, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said 22 of the 25 cases infected with the new B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 in the country have already recovered.

Vergeire said one has died, while two cases remain active.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said COVID-19 vaccines may arrive this week.

The Philippines aims to secure 146 to 148 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.—LDF, GMA News