The Philippines added 205 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) bringing its total number of infections to 12,718, the Department of Health (DOH) announced on Monday, the first day of loosening the quarantine protocols in major areas in the country.

145 patients or 83 percent of the new cases came from Metro Manila, 52 cases came from various municipalities across the country, while eight came from Region VII.

The number of survivors, on the other hand, rose to 2,729 after 94 patients won the battle against the COVID-19 infection. 

The DOH’s daily bulletin also confirmed 7 deaths due to the infectious disease, bringing the total number of fatalities to 831. 

Meanwhile, Malacañang forewarned the public that the enhanced community quarantine can be restored if social distancing in public areas will not be observed. 

Ang pagbubukas po ng malls sa ilalim ng modified ECQ ay hindi po ginawa para hikayatin tayo na mag-malling. Ginawa ito para sa ating ekonomiya at nananatiling mga kumpanya na engaged sa essential services,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire accentuated.

Kami ay nagpapaalala… hindi pa po tapos ang laban natin sa COVID-19. Tayo po ay nag-uumpisa pa lamang sa bagong kabanata ng laban na ito,” Vergeire added.  (RJ Espartinez)