4,734 new COVID-19 infections logged; active cases down to 56,752

The Philippines' number of active cases went down to 56,752 with only 4,734 new infections reported on Tuesday, the lowest since March 18.

A total of 12 laboratories failed to submit on time.  The country's tally of COVID-19 cases is now 1,113,547.

Of the active cases, 93.4% are mild, 2.2% are asymptomatic, 1.8% are severe, and 1.4% are in critical condition.

The DOH also announced that 7,837 more patients have recovered from the illness, bringing the total to 1,038,175, while 59 new fatalities brought the death toll to 18,620.

Thirteen duplicate cases were also removed from the total case count.

“Moreover, 19 cases that were previously tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation,” the DOH said.

Data also showed that 60% of the country’s intensive care unit beds are in use while 41% of the mechanical ventilators are occupied.

In the National Capital Region, 67% of the ICU beds are being utilized by patients while 49% of the mechanical ventilators are in use.

The Philippines earlier reported the detection of the B.1.617 coronavirus variant first discovered in India, following its classification as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization.

The DOH also clarified that only five -- not six -- travelers from India who entered the Philippines prior to the implementation of stricter border control tested positive for COVID-19.—LDF, GMA News