Average daily COVID-19 cases up slightly

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MANILA, Philippines — The average daily detected COVID-19 cases rose only marginally to 1,775 from 1,773, mostly mild cases, while deaths and hospital admissions remained low, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Out of the 12,426 new infections confirmed by laboratory tests last week, 87 were in serious or critical condition.

In the last two weeks, one death due to COVID-19 has occurred, the DOH said. To date, 4,600 COVID-19 patients are currently admitted to hospitals nationwide, including 486 who are seriously or critically ill.

Based on hospital reports, 18.2 percent of reserved COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) beds and 23 percent of non-ICU beds are occupied.

A healthcare utilization rate of 20 percent or below is considered low risk.

As of May 21, 16,422 individuals are known to be still infected with the virus, of which 28 percent or 4,600 are admitted to hospitals.

The DOH confirmed 13 more deaths due to COVID-19 from as far back as June last year. This brought the official COVID-19 death toll to 66,466 out of 4.1 million confirmed cases.

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—DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN