Philippines logs 977 COVID-19 cases from July 31-August 6, lowest in 22 weeks

The Philippines recorded 977 COVID-19 infections from July 31 to August 6, the lowest number of weekly new cases in 22 weeks.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed last  week’s coronavirus cases are 25% lower than the infections monitored from July 24 to July 30, 2023.

The daily average cases also went down to 140 from the 186 recorded in the previous week, marking the lowest number of average daily cases in 21 weeks, according to GMA News Research.

This also showed the second straight week of less than 200 average daily cases.

The new weekly case also revealed the country’s COVID-19 cases continue to drop as it marked the 11th straight week of declining coronavirus infections. This is the lowest number of monitored weekly infections since the 913 total cases reported from February 27 to March 5.

Of the new infections, 11 or 1.14% are tagged as severe and critical cases — the lowest in 19 weeks. This is the first time in 15 weeks that new severe or critical cases went below 20 and the second straight week of at least 30 new severe or critical cases.

Meanwhile, the DOH bulletin also showed there were 34 verified COVID-19-related deaths in the country from May to July. A total of 12 deaths occurred from July 24 to August 6.

“Of the 34 deaths, 29 occurred in July 2023, three in June 2023, and two in May 2023,” said the health department.

At least 315 or 9.3% of the COVID-19 admissions were severe and critical as of August 6.

Of the 1,733 total intensive care unit (ICU) beds, 209, or 12.1% are in use while 2,556, or 15.9% of the 16,098 non-ICU COVID-19 beds were occupied.

Vaccination updates

As for vaccination, the DOH said over 78 million individuals, or 100.44% of the target population have completed their primary doses.

At least 7.1 million senior citizens, or 82.16% of the target A2 population have also received their primary vaccine series.

Meanwhile, 23 million individuals have received their booster shots.

116 COVID-19 cases on Monday

Meanwhile, the DOH reported 116 cases on Monday, increasing the nationwide total caseload to 4,174,013.

The country’s active cases decreased to 3,558 — the lowest number of active cases since the 3,462 recorded on June 16, 2022, according to GMA News Research.

Total recoveries climbed by 656 to 4,103,828 while the death toll remains at 66,626.

In the last 14 days, Metro Manila registered the highest number of new cases with 458. It was followed by Calabarzon with 287; Central Luzon with 244; Davao Region with 179; and Western Visayas with  144.

COVID-19 bed occupancy in the country is still at low risk at 14%.

A total of 2,583 individuals were tested for the virus on Sunday, August 6. 385 testing laboratories submitted their results.—LDF, GMA Integrated News