DOH logs 1,920 new COVID-19 cases, highest daily total in 6 months

The Philippines on Sunday registered 1,920 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily total in more than six months.

According to GMA Integrated News Research, the new tally is the highest in 195 days—or six months and 13 days, since October 21’s 1,984 new cases.

It is the fourth straight day of more than 1,000 new cases and the second straight day of more than 1,800 new cases.

Data from the Department of Health's COVID-19 tracker shows that the country's total caseload is now at 4,102,788.

Active cases increased by 1,213 to 11,408, the highest in three months and 18 days, since January 16’s 11,844 active cases.

It is the second straight day of more than 10,000 active cases and the seventh day of increasing active cases.

Independent monitoring group OCTA Research on Sunday also reported a nationwide positivity rate of 19.9%, up slightly from 19.3% a day earlier. The positivity rate refers to the percentage of people who were found positive for COVID-19 among the total number of individuals tested.

Total recoveries increased by 707 to 4,024,927 for the fifth straight day of fewer new recoveries than new cases, while the death toll remains at 66,453.

The region with the most new infections in the last 14 days is the National Capital Region (NCR) with 5,777; followed by Calabarzon with 2,962; Central Luzon with 889; Western Visayas with 716; and Bicol Region with 545.

Among cities and provinces, Quezon City had the most new cases in the last 14 days with 1,259, followed by Cavite province with 965; Rizal province with 908; City of Manila with 671; and Laguna province with 656.

COVID-19 bed occupancy in the country is currently at 19.7%, with 4,855 beds occupied and 19,777 vacant.

A total of 6,561 individuals were tested for the virus on Saturday, with 291 testing laboratories submitting results.

The World Health Organization on Friday lifted the designation of COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern, but cautioned that the virus is here to stay. The DOH also said that it will convene to review health guidelines after the WHO's announcement. 

OCTA Research has urged the DOH to continue its advisories on the virus. — BM, GMA Integrated News