The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday reported 862 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, elevating the country’s total cases to 18,086, a day before Metro Manila starts its transition to a General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

16 cases were considered “fresh,” or newly validated and 846 cases are classified as “late” cases.

6 fresh cases came from Metro Manila, while the remaining 10 fresh cases were spread out across the country.

“Today’s fresh cases are based on the daily accomplishment reports submitted by only 15 out of 42 operational laboratories,” the DOH said.

238 late cases came from Metro Manila. 235 cases were repatriates, 81 patients came from Region VII, and the remaining 292 patients came from various areas nationwide.

In a bit good news, recoveries surged to 3,909 with 101 new patients winning the battle against COVID-19.

Death toll inches to 957 after 7 patients succumbed to the respiratory disease.

Meanwhile, quarantine restrictions over Metro Manila, Davao City, Regions II, III, IV-A, and the provinces of Pangasinan and Albay is set to transition to GCQ, while the rest of the country is placed on a more relaxed Modified General Community Quarantine starting June 1.

Singapore remains on top in Southeast Asia for the most number of COVID-19 cases at 34,884. Indonesia followed behind with 26,473 cases trailed by the Philippines. (RJ Espartinez)