FILE PHOTO: A health worker conducts a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) swab testing at a gymnasium in Navotas City, Metro Manila, Philippines, August 7, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
MANILA, Philippines — The country reported a record-high active COVID-19 cases in the country on Friday at 291,618 infections.
Friday’s record of active cases was higher than the previous record of 290,938 active infections as of January 17.
The number of active cases further went up as the Department of Health (DOH) reported 32,744 new cases of the respiratory disease.
In 2020, the Philippines had its highest number of active COVID-19 cases at 83,109 on August 15. In 2021, the highest active cases was at 203,710 on April 17.
Active cases have reached 200,000 beginning January 12, 2022.
The country has so far recorded a total of 3,357,083 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
The DOH, meanwhile, reported a positivity rate of 44 percent from 75,335 individuals who underwent RT-PCR testing on Wednesday.
Despite the high positivity rate, independent analytics group OCTA Research said COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila may drop to less than 1,000 per day by Valentine’s Day and less than 500 by the end of February if the current trend continues.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that COVID-19 cases seem to be plateauing in Metro Manila, but she stressed that further study is needed to confirm if cases are dropping.