In this file photo, health workers check residents at a free COVID-19 swab testing at a gymnasium in Navotas city, Philippines, on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020. (AP File Photo/Aaron Favila)
MANILA, Philippines — The coronavirus disease infected 2,529 more individuals nationwide, raising the total cases of the respiratory ailment to 234,570, the Department of Health (DOH) said Saturday.
As of 4 p.m., the Philippine health department’s data showed 69,112 out of 234,570 COVID-19 infections are active.
Of the 2,529 new COVID-19 infections reported from 92 accredited laboratories, 45 percent or 968 cases were documented from Metro Manila.
This was followed by Calabarzon region with 356 cases and Western Visayas with 243.
Meanwhile, 1,136 more people were able to survive the disease. This increased the total recoveries to 161,668.
COVID-19 death toll in the country reached 3,790, including 53 new deaths.
Of the 53, 21 occurred in September, 18 in August, 12 in July, one in June and one in April.
Majority of the new deaths were reported from Metro Manila with 32 fatalities or 60 percent.
After validation, DOH said 30 duplicates were removed from the total caseload. Of the number, 15 are recovered cases.
COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan City, in Hubei province of China in late 2019.
For most people, the ailment causes mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough. But the virus can cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia for senior citizens and people with underlying health issues.