As the Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) tally surged to 265,888, the previous 253 “recovered” patients reported by the Department of Health (DOH) turned out to be “deaths” after its validation process. 

With this, the death rate in the country today jumped to 4,630 with 259 deaths, the highest reported in a single day.

“There were 297 cases that were previously reported as recovered but after final validation, they were deaths (253) and active (44) cases,” the DOH said.

New cases, on the other hand, also skyrocketed to 4,699 with Metro Manila posting the most number of new cases in a day at 1,498. Cavite followed with 221 cases; Bataan with 198; Bulacan with 185; and Batangas with 176.

This marks the 7th straight day where new Covid-19 cases posted in a day exceeded the 3,000 mark. 

Meanwhile, the country’s recovery rate jumped to 207,504 with 249 more patients winning the fight against Covid-19. 

The Philippines ranks 2nd in Southeast Asia for the most number of Covid-19 active cases at 53,754, trailing Indonesia with 54,277 active cases. RJ Espartinez