The Philippines’ coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases passed the 22,000-level, the Department of Health (DOH) announced Monday.

The Health Department reported 579 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the country’s total COVID-19 to 22,474. Out of these, 331 were classified as “fresh” cases, while 248 were classified as “late” cases.

Forty-seven percent of the fresh cases came from Central Visayas while Metro Manila accounted for 34%

Receoveries jumped to 4,637 after 107 patients survived the disease.

COVID-19 deaths rose to 1,011 after eight patients succumbed to the disease.

More than seven million COVID-19 cases have been reported worldwide since the disease was first reported in China late last year.  Total death toll from COVID-19 is at over 401,933.

Singapore has the highest number of cases in Southeast Asia with 38,296, followed by Indonesia with 32,033 and then by the Philippines.

On the other hand, Singapore is number 1 in the region in terms of testing for COVID-19 with 69,859 tests per 1 million citizens.  The Philippines is number 5 with 4,032 tests per 1 million citizens behind Thailand’s 6,708 tests per 1 million citizens. (Rommel F. Lopez)