COVID-19 cases outside NCR Plus on the rise

Residents continue to observe physical distancing in Tagbilaran City, Bohol to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (LEO UDTOHAN/INQUIRER VISAYAS) File photo

MANILA, Philippines — While the number of new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila and surrounding areas of Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, and Cavite continue to drop, new cases in the rest of the country are climbing.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Saturday some regions in Luzon that had posted negative growth rates of COVID-19 cases for two weeks were now showing positive growth rates.

All regions in the Visayas “showed gradual increase in cases,” while in Mindanao “all regions showed sustained growth in cases with Regions 10, 11 and Caraga showing faster increase this week,” Vergeire added.

On Sunday, 7,058 new COVID-19 cases were reported, raising the total caseload to 1,223,627 while 139 died, pushing total deaths to 20,860.