18 COVID-19 cases recorded in Bicol — DOH data

Health authorities in Bicol have recorded 18 COVID-19 cases after another person tested positive on Sunday.

The Department of Health's (DOH) Center for Health Development in Bicol said a 28-year-old female who was exposed to a COVID-19 patient is its latest confirmed case.

She is currently admitted at the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, the DOH said.

One COVID-19 patient in the region has died and 10 have recovered. Five patients are still hospitalized and two are on home quarantine, the DOH said.

Authorities also recorded an additional person under investigation (PUI), bringing the regional PUI total to 177. Sixteen PUIs are awaiting results; 143 have already tested negative.

The DOH urged Bicolanos to practice strict social distancing or maintain a distance of at least one meter from other people at all times, even inside their homes and especially outside when they buy their basic needs.

"It is our responsibility to protect ourselves and others to avoid further transmission of the virus. Best of all, stay at home and practice protective measures to beat COVID-19. COVID-19 stops at our doorstep," the DOH said.

The national case total is 4,932, the death toll 315, and the recovery count 242 as of Monday afternoon. — Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/RSJ, GMA News