DOH records 17 more suspected cases of COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring 17 more patients under investigation (PUIs) for suspected infection of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

This brings the total number of patients being checked or who have underwent monitoring for the disease to 556 as of Thursday morning, higher than the 539 reported by the DOH on Wednesday, according to the case tracker of the health agency.

But of the 556 PUIs, 420 have already been discharged after yielding two negative tests to the novel coronavirus, while another 133 remain admitted in various health facilities nationwide.

Also counted in the tally were the three Chinese nationals who earlier tested positive for the virus, including the Chinese man who died at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila on February 1.

PUIs are those who have recent travel history from China and are showing symptoms of the viral infection, including cough and fever.

Below is the breakdown of the number of patients being monitored or were observed for COVID-19 per region:

Metro Manila – 106 admitted, 90 discharged, 2 confirmed cases (1 mortality)
Central Luzon – 3 admitted, 57 discharged
Central Visayas – 0 admitted, 54 discharged, 1 confirmed case
Calabarzon – 4 admitted, 46 discharged
Western Visayas – 2 admitted, 36 discharged
Cagayan Valley – 3 admitted, 32 discharged
Cordillera Administrative Region – 8 admitted, 18 discharged
Davao Region – 1 admitted, 22 discharged
Northern Mindanao – 1 admitted, 16 discharged
Eastern Visayas – 0 admitted, 16 discharged
Mimaropa – 1 admitted, 14 discharged
Ilocos Region – 1 admitted, 9 discharged
Bicol Region – 1 admitted, 5 discharged
Soccsksargen – 2 admitted, 1 discharged
Caraga – 0 admitted, 3 discharged
BARMM – 0 admitted, 1 discharged

In the global scene, the death toll due to COVID-19 has already reached over 2,100. Eight of these deaths were recorded outside mainland China.

The total number of infected individuals in at least 27 countries affected by the outbreak is now at more than 75,600, with China recording the vast majority of cases.

Edited by EDV