12,805 new COVID-19 cases logged amid low lab output

The Philippines on Wednesday registered 12,805 additional coronavirus disease infections, the lowest case count for a day since August 13, as one laboratory failed to submit its data to the COVID-19 Document Repository System (CDRS).

In Aug. 13, the country reported a total of 13,177 new COVID-19 cases.

The country's total COVID-19 cases is now at 2,535,732, including the 132,339 active infections, according to the Department of Health (DOH) case bulletin.

Of the number of active cases, 76.6% were mild cases, 16.4% asymptomatic, 0.9% critical, 2.1% severe and 3.91% moderate.

Since Sept. 28, the percentage of asymptomatic cases grew to 16.4% from 15.3% recorded on Sept. 27. This is also a huge jump from percentage of asymptomatic cases last Aug. 31, 2021, with 1.4%.

Total recoveries reached 2,365,229 with 12,236 new ones. Meanwhile, the fatality tally was at 38,164, including 186 new deaths.

The DOH pointed out that the relatively low cases today were due to the laboratory output on Monday, September 27.

"Testing output last September 27 is only 51,377 compared to the 70,134 average daily testing output for the last 7 days," it said.

Positivity rate was at 22.9% with 51,327 conducted COVID-19 tests. It was not indicated if antigen tests were included in the case tally.

Further, 38 duplicated cases including 27 recoveries were removed. Also, 120 cases tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths.

DOH said the laboratory that was not able to report composed 0.2% of samples tested and 0.3% positive individuals to the case tally.

Occupancy rate decreased but still at high risk

DOH also reported that occupancy rate of intensive care unit beds nationwide was down to 74% from 76% on Tuesday. But this number still indicates that ICU care is still at high risk.

Utilization rate is considered "high risk" if it is more than 70% but less than 85%, said DOH.

ICU utilization rate in Metro Manila also decreased to 75% from 77%.

Mechanical ventilators in the country is 53% in use while ventilators in Metro Manila is at 56% utilized.—LDF, GMA News