Philippines records 144 new COVID-19 cases

The Philippines on Sunday reported 144 new cases of COVID-19 to bring the country’s active caseload to 8,943, data released by the Department of Health (DOH) revealed.

This is the fifth straight day of more than 100 new cases tallied, according to GMA Integrated News Research, and the lowest active case total in 247 days.

The new additional cases brought the country’s total cases to 4,077,002, which includes 4,001,906 recoveries and 66,153 deaths.

The most cases in the past two weeks were recorded in the National Capital Region with 433 cases, followed by the Davao Region with 229, Calabarzon with 208, Soccsksargen with 125 cases, and Western Visayas with 93.

Broken down in terms of cities and provinces, the higher number was seen in Davao Del Sur with 186, followed by Quezon City with 91, Manila City with 88, South Cotabato with 82, and Rizal with 73.

There 7,216 samples and 7,083 individuals tested on Saturday, March 4, based on data submitted by 301 testing labs. The cumulative positivity rate was at 13.5%.

In terms of facilities, the DOH reported that 4,107 of the 25,189 beds across the country were occupied, translating to a bed occupancy rate of 16.3%.

Latest data from the agency show that there were 166,530,889 COVID-19 vaccine doses administered as of March 2, 2023: 71.069 million first doses; 73.894 million complete doses; and 21.567 million booster doses. JON VIKTOR D. CABUENAS, GMA Integrated News