598 new COVID-19 cases reported; active tally at 47K

The Philippines on Friday reported 598 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the nationwide caseload to 3,669,523.

Based on the Department of Health's (DOH) latest bulletin posted on its website, a total of 47,116 active infections were recorded.

Total recoveries reached 3,565,090, while the country’s death tally was recorded at 57,317.

The latest data also showed that 24.64% of the country's intensive care unit (ICU) beds are in use.

Meanwhile, the nationwide occupied isolation beds are 22.04%, while 13.66% of ward beds are in use.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje assured that the Philippines is ready to face Deltacron, a combination of the highly contagious Delta and Omicron variants of the coronavirus.

The IHU Mediterranee Infection in Marseille, however, said it is too soon to know whether Deltacron infections will be very transmissible or cause severe disease.

The hybrid variant was reportedly discovered in a Cyprus lab as early as January. It was first believed to be likely the result of lab contamination.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante said Deltacron will not cause severe infections, adding that many have been vaccinated against the severity of the virus.

Solante said the recombination of the highly contagious Delta and Omicron variants will “not affect much” despite the limited data on the behavior of the hybrid versions of the coronavirus.—LDF, GMA News