PH COVID-19 cases rise to 10,794 as recoveries near 2,000 mark

MANILA, Philippines — The total coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines rose to 10,794 as the Department of Health (DOH) reported Sunday 184 new cases of the respiratory disease.

Of the new cases, Metro Manila accounts for 77 (42%), Region 7 has 75 (41%) while 32 (17%) new cases were recorded from the different regions.

The DOH also announced 82 new recoveries, bringing the total number of patients who have recovered from the viral illness to 1,924.

Meanwhile, the nationwide death toll now stands at 719 as 15 more patients succumbed to the disease.

The coronavirus cases in the Philippines continue to swell on a daily basis although the government said the COVID-19 pandemic curve in the country has started to flatten.

But the Health Department argued that the continuous spike in COVID-19 infections is due to the country’s increased testing capacity.

With 23 COVID-19 testing laboratories operating nationwide, the country can now conduct 12,000 tests daily.

But the government said it is aiming to carry out 30,000 tests daily by May 30.

/MUF