Philippines logs 7,450 new COVID-19 cases, active tally now over 60k

The Philippines’ tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases climbed to 1,255,337 on Friday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 7,450 new infections as five laboratories failed to submit data on time.

This marks the second straight day where more than 7,000 cases were recorded and the tenth day where more than 5,000 cases were reported.

Meanwhile, the number of active cases in the country rose to 60,794, the highest recorded since May 10.

Of this, 93.9% are mild, 2.0% are asymptomatic, 1.6% are severe, and 1.3% are in critical condition.

The DOH also announced that total recoveries climbed to 1,173,006 after 2,382 more patients recovered from the illness. This is the lowest number of recoveries recorded since April 18.

A total of 181 new fatalities also brought the death toll to 21,537.

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

“Moreover, 119 cases that were previously tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation,” the DOH said.

Based on data from the DOH, 56% of the country’s intensive care unit beds are in use while 38% of the mechanical ventilators are occupied.

In the National Capital Region, 50% of the ICU beds are being utilized by patients while 35% of the mechanical ventilators are in use.

The Philippines has lowered the quarantine period to seven days for inbound travelers to the Philippines who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. —NB, GMA News