Philippines's COVID-19 cases now over 541K, deaths at 11,401

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reported 1,345 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, bringing the total to 541,560 as four laboratories failed to submit data on time.

According to the DOH, total recoveries also rose to 499,971 after 276 more patients recovered from the illness while the death toll climbed to 11,401 with 114 fatalities.

Twelve duplicate cases were also removed from the total case count while nine cases previously tagged as recovered were reclassified as deaths after the final validation.

Of the remaining 30,188 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 88.2 percent are mild, 6.1 percent are asymptomatic, 2.5 percent are severe, and 2.6 percent are in critical condition.

Based on data from the DOH, 61 percent of the country’s intensive care unit beds are available while 79 percent of the mechanical ventilators are ready for use.

Meanwhile, the DOH has again sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation in tracking down a 35-year-old male Liloan, Cebu resident who tested positive for the UK coronavirus variant.

The patient was identified as a returning overseas Filipino with a local address in Liloan, whose samples were collected on January 17.

The World Health Organization has also called for greater research, recognition, and rehabilitation for long COVID-19 sufferers.—LDF, GMA News