Philippines' COVID-19 cases cross 528,000

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines hit 528,853 on Tuesday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,583 new infections as 13 laboratories failed to submit data on time.

Total recoveries also rose to 487,611 after 39 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease.

The death toll climbed to 10,874 with 67 new fatalities.

There are also 30,368 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine.

Meanwhile, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said supply agreements for five COVID-19 vaccines will be completed by the end of the month. 

He added that local government units not prepared for mass inoculation will not receive a supply of vaccines. 

The country’s vaccination campaign will begin with the inoculation of health workers in COVID-19 referral hospitals. 

The Philippines aims to secure 146 to 148 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.—LDF, GMA News