4,842 new COVID-19 infections reported as active cases drop to 53,214

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reported 4,842 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, bringing the total tally to 1,118,359, as five laboratories failed to submit data on time.

According to the DOH data, active cases further dropped to 53,214.

Of this, 93% are mild, 2.4% are asymptomatic, 1.9% are severe, and 1.4% are in critical condition.

The DOH also announced that total recoveries rose to 1,046,431 with 8,312  new ones while the death toll rose to 18,714 after 94 more patients succumbed to the illness.

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

“Moreover, 35 cases that were previously tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation,” the DOH said.

Data also showed that 61% of the country’s intensive care unit beds are in use while 42% of the mechanical ventilators are occupied.

In the National Capital Region, 66% of the ICU beds are being utilized by patients while 48% of the mechanical ventilators are in use.

The Philippines on Tuesday reported the detection of the B.1.617 coronavirus variant first discovered in India.

However, the DOH said that the variant in the two OFWs had not been passed on further prior to its detection, citing strict border protocols being implemented.—LDF, GMA News