The Philippines’ confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases nationwide hit the 5000-mark after 291 new infections were reported by the Department of Health (DOH) Tuesday, bringing the country’s total number to 5,223. The Philippines maintains its top spot in Southeast Asia for the most number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
On the other hand, the country posted a record-high 53 recoveries from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 295.
COVID-19 death toll rose to 335 with 20 new fatalities in the country.
Mass testing has already begun today but Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire explained that people who are vulnerable, severely ill, and healthcare workers will be prioritized first.
The government has also deployed medical graduates to assist the health sector in its battle against COVID-19 for the whole duration of the state of public health emergency.
Vergeire said the country so far has 15 testing facilities, 75 COVID-19 referral hospitals, and over 2,600 quarantine facilities. (RJ Espartinez)