Philippines’ COVID-19 cases surge to 12,942 as recoveries reach 2,843

The number of patients who have recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rose to 2,843 on Tuesday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 114 new recoveries as total cases nationwide surged to 12,942 with 224 new infections.

The death toll also climbed to 837 after six more patients succumbed to the respiratory illness.

Among the new cases, 174 or 78 percent were from Metro Manila, 17 were from Region VII, while the remaining 33 were spread out across the country.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier clarified that the government is conducting an “expanded” testing for COVID-19, following Malacañang’s statement on Monday that the country does not have the resources for mass testing. 

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque also said that the government aims to test 1.5 to 2 percent of the Philippine population under the expanded testing. 

DOH data show that 207,823 people have been tested for COVID-19 as of May 15, 82.4 percent of whom tested negative while 8.1 percent turned out positive. —LDF, GMA News