Philippines logs 4,496 new COVID-19 cases, lowest daily tally since July

The Philippines on Tuesday registered 4,496 fresh COVID-19 infections, increasing the total count of virus cases nationwide to 2,731,735, as seven laboratories failed to submit their data.

The new cases were the lowest since July 28, which reported 4,478 new infections, based on Department of Health's 4 p.m. case bulletin.

Additional cases also brought the active case tally to 63,637, of which 79.0% are mild, 5.2% asymptomatic, 2.0 critical, 4.8% severe and 8.97% moderate. This active tally is also the lowest since August 1, with 63,646.

Moreover, country's death toll was raised to 40,972, after recording 211 new fatalities, the highest since October 12, which indicated 236 additional deaths.

Meanwhile, total recoveries reached 2,627,126, including 9,609 new ones.

Philippines' positivity rate was still high with 12.4% while total conducted COVID-19 tests were at 35,766.

On the other hand, Philippines' case tally was modified after DOH deleted 47 duplicates, including 31 recoveries.

Also, 145 recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation.

DOH said all laboratories were working on Oct. 17, Sunday but seven laboratories failed to submit their data to the COVID-19 Document Repository System (CDRS).

According to DOH data in the last 14 days, the non-reporting labs contribute 2.8% of samples tested and 2.0% of positive individuals.

"The relatively low cases today is due to lower laboratory output last Sunday, October 17," DOH also said.

Utilization rate of intensive care units all over the country also reached 60% while in Metro Manila, ICU occupancy rate was at 54%.

For mechanical ventilators,  43% are in use in the country while 38% are utilized in National Capital Region.—LDF, GMA News