PH logs 1,264 new COVID-19 cases from Oct. 2-8, 2023

A total of 1,264 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the Philippines from October 2 to 8, 2023, according to the latest data from the Department of Health (DOH).

The figure is slightly higher compared to the 1,231 COVID-19 cases logged from September 25 to October 1.

According to the DOH, the daily case average also went up by 3% from 176 to 181 during the period.

Six COVID-19-related deaths were also belatedly registered from October 2-8. Of this number, one occurred in October 2023, while the remaining five were logged in September 2023.

There were also 12 additional severe and critical cases logged in the covered period.

A total of 272 COVID-19 severe and critical cases were admitted in hospitals as of October 8. This accounted for 9% of the total COVID-19 admissions.

There were also 186 intensive care unit (ICU) beds used or 12.2% of the 1,524 beds available. Meanwhile, 2,296 or 18.4% of the 12,496 non-ICU COVID-19 beds were occupied.

The DOH said that an increase in communicable disease infections such as COVID-19 and influenza is expected as the weather changes from warm to cold this rainy season.

“Communicable diseases, particularly respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19 infections, are expected to increase during the rainy season and colder months due to proliferation of viruses as the weather transitions from increased heat and high humidity in the summer to wet and damp weather conditions,” the agency said.  —Giselle Ombay/ VAL, GMA Integrated News