13 areas outside Metro Manila log increase in COVID-19 cases — DOH

Facade of the DOH main office in Manila. INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 13 areas outside Metro Manila reported an increase of COVID-19 cases, a Department of Health (DOH) official said on Saturday.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje in a public briefing said the provinces of Marinduque, Surigao del Sur, Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Batanes, Quirino, Catanduanes and Eastern Samar, as well as Davao City, Butuan City, Olongapo City, Tarlac City, and Angeles City have reported an increase in new coronavirus cases.

Cabotaje, however, did not further elaborate on the number of cases in each province.

The official also said the increase in the said areas are not “significant.”

“Hindi naman significant pero kailangan nating bantayan,” Cabotaje said.

(It is not significant but we still need to monitor this.)

“Hindi natin nakikita ang common factors on the areas but syempre ‘yung ating influx ng mga turista, mga umuwi sa kanilang probinsya… there might be some influx on campaign sorties, ito yung mga tinitignan,” she also said when asked of the factors behind the increase.

(We don’t see any common factors in the areas but of course there is the influx of tourists, those who returned to their provinces, and there might be some influx on campaign sorties. These are the factors we are looking into.)

As of Saturday, the total number of COVID-19 cases is now at 3,684,300, including 14,696 active cases, 3,609,425 recoveries and 60,179 deaths, according to DOH.

RELATED STORIES

DOH: Half of healthcare workers yet to receive COVID-19 booster shot

DOH: COVID-19 vaccine wastage only at less than 2 percent