Philippines’ COVID-19 tally now at 563,456 with 2,288 new cases

The Department of Health on Monday announced 2,288 new COVID-19 infections, raising the nationwide total to 563,456, as six laboratories failed to submit data on time.

Latest data from the DOH showed that total recoveries also increased to 522,874 after 33 more patients defeated the respiratory illness, while six fatalities brought the death toll to 12,094.

The DOH noted that a duplicate was removed from the total case count, while two cases previously tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation.

Of the remaining 28,488 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 88.1% are mild, 5.7% are asymptomatic, 2.7% are critical, 2.6% are severe and 0.85% 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 Secretary Francisco Duque III expressed confidence that the country is ready to shift to a least stringent modified general community quarantine despite an uptick in infections and the detection of coronavirus variants and mutations.

Last week, the National Economic and Development Authority proposed placing the entire country under MGCQ to combat rising hunger amid the pandemic.

Despite apprehension from several Metro Manila mayors, they ultimately voted in favor of the shift to MGCQ.

On Sunday, the OCTA Research Team noted an upward trend in Metro Manila infections.

So far, the country has 62 COVID-19 cases with the UK variant, while two mutations of concern were recently detected in Central Visayas.—LDF, GMA News