Philippines logs 176 new COVID-19 cases, active tally increases to 2,257

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday recorded 176 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the nationwide tally to 3,689,457.

According to the DOH’s latest data on Wednesday, the country’s active case count stood at 2,257, up from 2,235 on Tuesday. No new COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the last four days.

A total of 3,626,745 people have been counted as recoveries from the virus.

The regions with the most new cases in the recent two weeks were the National Capital Region with 982, followed by Region 4-A with 332, and Region 3 with 265.

The health department said at least 21,794 individuals were tested, while 324 testing labs submitted data on May 24.

It noted that the bed occupancy in the country was 16.9%, with 5,271 beds occupied, while 25,945 vacant.

Dr. John Wong of the IATF Technical Working Group earlier said the early signs of a COVID-19 surge had been observed though none were sustained.

“We’re seeing early signals of a surge. Over the past month, there were three instances of reversals of the decreasing growth rates of cases,” Wong said.

“However, even if none have been sustained, we should take these as early warning signals and take the appropriate steps,” he added.

Earlier, the DOH said that a slight increase in COVID-19 cases was observed in the National Capital Region and Luzon. —NB, GMA News