The Department of Health (DOH) announced Sunday 555 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), elevating the country’s total tally to 21,895.

378 of the new cases are “fresh” or newly validated: 67 came from Metro Manila, 104 came from Region VII, 3 are repatriates, while the remaining 204 cases were spread out across the country.

177 of the new cases are late: 25 came from Metro Manila, 63 came from Region VII, while the 89 other patients came from various locations nationwide.

In a bit of good news, recoveries leaped to 4,530 with 89 more patients winning the battle against COVID-19.

The DOH’s daily bulletin also confirmed 9 new fatalities, bringing the total number to 1,003.

Currently, 15,905 COVID-19 cases are active or undertaking medical treatment or in quarantine: 15,131 are mild, 698 are asymptomatic, while 57 are severe and 19 are in critical condition.

Singapore remains on top in Southeast Asia for the most number of COVID-19 cases at 37,910. Indonesia followed behind with 31,186 cases trailed by the Philippines. (RJ Espartinez)