766 new cases push Philippines’ COVID-19 tally to over 470,000

The Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caseload hit 470,650 on Monday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 766 new infections as six laboratories failed to submit data on time.

Monday's figure was the lowest number of new cases reported since July 14.

“We are still continuing to see a decrease in cases over the holiday season (December 24 to January 4). This is due to the decreased number of patients being tested as many people want to celebrate the holidays at home,” the department said.

Davao City registered the highest number of fresh infections at 60, followed by Quezon City with 46, Benguet with 41, Laguna with 39, and Rizal with 37.

Recoveries now total 438,780 after 104 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease, while the death toll climbed to 9,124 with 15 new fatalities.

There are also 22,746 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte’s disclosure that some soldiers have been inoculated with China’s Sinopharm vaccine against COVID-19 sent officials scrambling to explain who got vaccinated and how despite the lack of regulatory approval.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that members of the Presidential Security Group were the first to be vaccinated against COVID-19 “owing to the nature of their mission and function.”

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año added that some Cabinet members had also received jabs of a vaccine that has allegedly been granted emergency use authorization (EUA).

The Food and Drug Administration maintained that it has not yet issued EUA to any COVID-19 vaccine.

The DOH vowed to look into the unauthorized vaccination of certain individuals, including members of the military.

Malacañang, for its part, denied that Duterte approved the vaccinations even as Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said the order was “from the chain of command of the Armed Forces” headed by the Commander in Chief.

Duterte is set to address the nation anew later on Monday to discuss his latest directives concerning quarantine restrictions ahead of the new year.—AOL, GMA News