The Philippines reported 21,819 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections, Friday, pushing the nationwide tally to 2,910,664.

Today’s count is the highest since September 12, 2021. 

The Department of Health (DOH) said that all Covid-19 laboratories were functional since January 5, but 10 laboratories failed to submit their reports on time.

Currently, there are 77,369 active Covid-19 infections undergoing medical treatment: 2,438 are asymptomatic, 70,321 are mild, 2,837 are moderate, 1,461 are severe, and 312 are in critical condition.

The DOH clarified that 99% or 21,656 cases of the newly reported cases were detected within December 25 to January 7, 2022. 

The National Capital Region (NCR) posted the highest number of cases in the recent two weeks with 13,634 or 63%; followed by Region 4-A with 4,129 or 19%; and Region 3 with 2,084 or 10%.

Meanwhile, the country’s recovery rate increased to 2,781,424 with 973 more patients winning the fight against the deadly respiratory illness. 

Death toll, on the other hand, climbed to 51,871 with 129 new fatalities. 

The health department also added that 72 duplicates were removed from the nationwide count. Ronald Espartinez