General community quarantine in the Philippines

LATEST UPDATE:

November 20, 2021

The health department registers 1,474 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the national caseload to 2,824,499. 

  • New deaths: 205
  • New recoveries: 2,565
  • Total active cases: 22,070

November 19, 2021

The Department of Health reports an additional 1,485 COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to to 2,823,210.

  • New deaths: 277
  • New recoveries: 1,393
  • Total active cases: 23,200

November 18, 2021

The Department of Health registers 1,297 new COVID-19 cases, biringing the national caseload to 2,821,753.

  • New deaths: 305
  • New recoveries: 1,956
  • Total active cases: 23,158

November 10, 2021

The Department of Health registers 2,646 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the national tally to 2,809,311.

  • Active cases: 29,138 or 1.0% of the total
  • Deaths: 99, pushing the count to 44,665
  • Recoveries: 4,029 bringing the number to 2,735,508

November 9, 2021

The Department of Health logs 1,409 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the national tally to 2,806,694.

  • Active cases: 30,544 or 1.1% of the total
  • Deaths: 46, pushing the count to 44,567
  • Recoveries: 2,941 bringing the number to 2,731,583

November 6, 2021

The Department of Health reports 2,656 new COVID-19 infections, pushing the national tally to 2,800,621.

  • Active cases: 34,866 or 1.2% of the total
  • Deaths: 154, pushing the count to 44,239
  • Recoveries: 5,130 bringing the number to 2,721,516

November 5, 2021

Coronavirus tally in the Philippines climbs to 2,797,986 with 2,376 new cases reported Friday.

  • Recoveries: 2,109 new; 2,716,524 total
  • Deaths: 260 new; 44,085 total
  • Active cases: 37,377 or 1.3% of total

November 3, 2021

The Department of Health reports 1,591 more COVID-19 infections, raising the country's total count of cases to 2,793,898.

  • Active cases: 38,014 or 1.4% of the total
  • Deaths: 186, pushing the count to 43,586
  • Recoveries: 4,294 bringing the number to 2,712,298

November 3, 2021

Quezon City tops the list of cities/municipalities with new COVID-19 cases as of November 2 with 218 infections.

OCTA Research fellow Guido David notes that data was automatically extracted from the Department of Health.

Also in the list are Baguio City (80 new cases), Zamboanga City (56 new cases), Davao City (46 new cases), Antipolo City (40 new cases) and Pudtol, Apayao (40 new cases).

November 2, 2021

The Department of Health logs 2,303 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 2,792,656. 

  • Active cases: 40,786 or 1.5% of the total
  • Deaths: 128, pushing the count to 43,404
  • Recoveries: 4,677 bringing the number to 2,708,466

November 1, 2021

COVID-19 cases in the Philippines rise to 2,790,375 with 3,117 new cases reported Monday.

  • Recoveries: 5,124 new; 2,703,914 total
  • Deaths: 104 new; 43,276 total
  • Active cases: 43,185 or 1.5% of total

October 30, 2021

The Department of Health logs 4,008 additional COVID-19 infections, pushing the nation's caseload to 2,783,896.

  • Active cases: 47,690 or 1.7% of the total
  • Deaths: 423, pushing the toll to 43,044
  • Recoveries: 6,887, raising the total to 2,693,162

October 29, 2021

The Department of Health registers 4,043 new coronavirus cases, pushing the national tally to 2,779,943.

  • Active cases: 50,630 or 1.8% of the total
  • Deaths: 44, pushing the count to 42,621
  • Recoveries: 3,224 bringing the number to 2,686,692

October 27, 2021

The Department of Health logs 3,218 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the national tally to 2,768,849.

  • Active cases: 50,152 or 1.8% of the total
  • Deaths: 271, pushing the count to 42,348
  • Recoveries: 6,660 bringing the number to 2,676,349

October 26, 2021

The Department of Health logs 4,393 more COVID-19 cases, bringing the national tally to 2,765,672.

  • Active cases: 53,642 or 1.9% of the total
  • Deaths: 135, pushing the count to 42,077
  • Recoveries: 8,470 bringing the number to 2,669,953

October 25, 2021

The Philippines is now at low risk classification for COVID-19, the DOH says.

As of Monday, five regions are classified as moderate risk — Regions 2, 9, CAR, 4B and 1.

Meanwhile, Regions 2, 9 and 5 are classified as high risk for ICU utilization.

October 22, 2021

Health authorities record 5,823 new COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, bringing the total to 2,745,889.

  • Recoveries: 4,748 new; 2,637,531 total
  • Deaths: 283 new; 41,250 total
  • Active cases: 66,838 or 2.4% of total

October 21, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 4,806 COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 2,740,111.

  • Active cases: 65,835 or 2.4% of the total
  • Recoveries: 5,934, pushing total to 2,633,039
  • Deaths: 260, bringing total to 41,237

October 20, 2021

The Department of Health registers an additional 3,656 COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 2,735,369.

  • Active cases: 67,061 or 2.5% of the total
  • Recoveries: 228 bringing the number to 2,627,331
  • Deaths: 5, or now 40,977 overall 

October 20, 2021

The Department of Health registers an additional 3,656 COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 2,735,369.

  • Active cases: 67,061 or 2.5% of the total
  • Recoveries: 228 bringing the number to 2,627,331
  • Deaths: 5, or now 40,977 overall 

October 19, 2021

The Department of Health logs 4,496 new coronavirus cases, bringing the national tally to 2,731,735.

  • Active cases: 63,637 or 2.3% of the total
  • Recoveries: 9,609 bringing the number to 2,627,126
  • Deaths: 211, or now 40,972 overall 

October 19, 2021

The alert level scheme will also be implemented outside Metro Manila starting October 20.

Negros Oriental and Davao Occidental will be placed under Alert Level 4 from October 20 to 31.

During the same period, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Siquijor, Davao City and Davao del Norte will be under Alert Level 3, according to the latest IATF resolution. — report from News5/Maricel Halili

October 18, 2021

The Philippines is considered as moderate risk for COVID-19, the Department of Health says.

Only the Zamboanga Peninsula region remains at high risk classification with high-risk beds utilization.

Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley are classified as high risk for both beds and ICU utilization.

October 16, 2021

The Department of Health logs 7,772 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 2,713,509.

  • Active cases: 85,048 or 3.1% of the total
  • Recoveries: 1,634 bringing the number to 95.4%
  • Deaths: 156, or now 40,580 overall

October 13, 2021

Nine in Ten adult Filipinos are worried that anyone in their immediate family might catch COVID-19, according to a Social Weather Stations survey.

The poll released Tuesday night shows that 91% of Filipinos are worried about getting the virus, which has so far infected 2.67 million Filipinos.

"Compared to past SWS surveys, worry about catching Covid-19 is much greater than worries about catching previous viruses such as Ebola, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome," the survey firm says.

October 12, 2021

The Department of Health registers 8,615 more COVID-19 cases, bringing the country's total caseload to 2,683,372.

  • Active cases: 82,228 or 3.1% of the total
  • Recoveries: 25,146 bringing the number to 2,561,248
  • Deaths: 236, or now 39,896 overall 

October 10, 2021

The Department of Health logs 12,159 more COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 2,666,562. 

  • Active cases: 90,927 or 3.4% of the total
  • Recoveries: 27,727, bringing the number to 2,536,011
  • Deaths: 119, now 39,624 in total

October 10, 2021

The Department of Health logs 12,159 more COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 2,666,562. 

  • Active cases: 90,927 or 3.4% of the total
  • Recoveries: 27,727, bringing the number to 2,536,011
  • Deaths: 119, now 39,624 in total

October 9, 2021

The Department of Health registers 11,010 more COVID-19 cases, pushing the national caseload to 2,654,450.

  • Active cases: 106,558 or 4% of the total
  • Recoveries: 22,529, bringing the number to 2,508,387
  • Deaths: 237, raising toll to 39,505

October 5, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 9,055 COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 2,613,070.

  • Active cases: 103,077 or 3.9% of the total
  • Recoveries: 12,134 bringing the number to 2,471,165
  • Deaths: Not available, or still at 38,828 overall 

October 2, 2021

The Department of Health registers an additional 14,786 COVID-19 infections, pushing the national tally to 2,580,173.

  • Active cases: 144,061 or 5.6% of the total
  • Recoveries: 894, pushing total to 2,397,456
  • Deaths: 164, bringing toll to 38,656

October 1, 2021

The DOH reports 15,566 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the Philippines' tally to 2,565,487.

  • Recoveries: 23,483 new; 2,396,726
  • Deaths: 199 new; 38,493
  • Active cases: 130,268 or 5.1% of total

September 29, 2021

Health authorities log 12,805 new COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, bringing the national tally to 2,535,732.

  • Recoveries: 12,236 new; 2,365,229 total
  • Deaths: 190 new; 38,163 total
  • Active cases: 132,339 ot 5.2%

September 25, 2021

The Department of Health logs 16,907 more COVID-19 cases, pushing the country’s overall count to over 2.47 million.

  • Active cases: 165,110 or 6.7% of the total
  • Recoveries: 27,120, bringing the number to 2,267,720
  • Deaths: 0, still at 37,405

September 24, 2021

The Department of Health registers 18,659 more coronavirus cases, pushing the national tally to 2,453,328.

  • Active cases: 175,324 or 7.1% of the total
  • Recoveries: 9,088, bringing the number to 2,240,599
  • Deaths: 0, or now 37,405 in total

September 23, 2021

The Department of Health reports 17,411 more COVID-19 cases, bringing the country's overall count to 2,434,753.

  • Active cases: 165,790 or 6.8% of the total
  • Recoveries: 14,090, bringing the number to 2,231,558
  • Deaths: 177, or now 37,405 in total

September 22, 2021

The Department of Health registers 15,592 more COVID-19 cases, bringing the national tally to 2,417,419.

  • Active cases: 162,580 or 6.7% of the total
  • Recoveries: 24,059, bringing the number to 2,217,611
  • Deaths: 154, or now 37,228 in total

September 18, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 23,134 COVID-19 infections, the second highest daily increase in cases since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Active cases: 184,088 or 7.8% of the total
  • Recoveries: 27,024 or, bringing total to 2,126,879
  • Deaths: 255, raising toll to 36,583

September 17, 2021

The Department of Health authorities reports 20,336 more COVID-19 cases, pushing the national tally to 2,324,475.

  • Active cases: 188,108 or 8.1% of the total
  • Recoveries: 10,028, bringing the number to 2,100,039
  • Deaths: 310, or now 36,328 in total

August 5, 2021

With 8,127 new coronavirus infections reported Thursday, the Philippines' coronavirus tally is now at 1,627,816.

  • Recoveries: 4,343 new; 1,532,494 total
  • Deaths: 196 new; 28,427 total
  • Active cases: 66,895 or 4.1% total

August 4, 2021

Health authorities report 7,342 new coronavirus infections, pushing the Philippines' tally to 1,619,824.

  • Recoveries: 7,285 new; 1,528,422 total
  • Deaths: 90 new; 28,231 total
  • Active cases: 63,171 or 3.9% of total

August 4, 2021

The Department of Health reports 7,342 more COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 1,619,824.

  • Active cases: 63,171 or 3.9% of the total
  • Recoveries: 7,285, pushing total to 1,528,422
  • Deaths: 90, bringing total to 1,619,824

August 3, 2021

The Philippines' coronavirus tally rises to 1,612,541 with 6,879 new infections recorded Tuesday.

  • Recoveries: 6,337 new; 1,521,263 total
  • Deaths: 48 new; 28,141 total
  • Active cases: 63,137 or 3.9% of total

August 2, 2021

DOH reports 8,167 new coronavirus infections, pushing the Philippines' total to 1,605,762.

  • Recoveries: 9,095 new; 1,515,054 total
  • Deaths: 77 new; 28,093 total
  • Active cases: 8,167 or 3.9% of total

August 1, 2021

The Philippines logs 8,735 new coronavirus infections, bringing the national caseload to 1,597,689.

  • Recoveries: 5,930 new; 1,506,027 total
  • Deaths: 127 new; 28,016 total
  • Active cases: 8,735 or 4% of total

July 31, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 8,147 COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 1,588,965.

  • Active cases: 60,887 or 3.8% of the total
  • Recoveries: 9,117, pushing total to 1,500,189
  • Deaths: 167, bringing total to 27,889

July 29, 2021

DOH logs 5,735 more COVID-19 infections, bringing the national caseload to 1,572,287.

  • Recoveries: 4,069 new; 1,488,437 total
  • Deaths: 176 new; 27,577 total
  • Active cases: 56,273 or 3.6% of total

July 28, 2021

The Philippines' coronavirus caseload climbs to 1,566,667 with 4,478 new infections reported Wednesday.

  • Recoveries: 6,149 new; 1,484,714 total
  • Deaths: 84 new; 27,401 total
  • Active cases: 54,552 new or 3.5% of total

July 27, 2021

Health authorities log 7,186 new coronavirus cases in the country, pushing the total to 1,652,420.

  • Recoveries: 5,672 new; 1,478,625 total
  • Deaths: 72 new; 27,318 total
  • Active cases: 56,477 or 3.6% of total

July 26, 2021

The Department of Health logs 6,664 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 1,555,396.

  • Active cases: 55,140 or 3.5% of the total
  • Recoveries: 5,766, bringing the number to 1,473,009
  • Deaths: 23, or now 27,247 in total

July 25, 2021

The Philippines' coronavirus tally rises to 1,548,755 with 5,479 new infections recorded Sunday.

  • Recoveries: 5,573 new; 1,467,269 total
  • Deaths: 93 new; 27,224 total
  • Active cases: 54,262 or 3.5% of total

July 24, 2021

The Department of Health registers an additional 6,216 COVID-19 infections, bringing the national caseload to 1,543,281.

  • Active cases: 54,401 or 3.5% of the total
  • Recoveries: 6,778, pushing total to 1,461,749
  • Deaths: 241, bringing total to 27,131 

July 23, 2021

The Department of Health registers 6,845 more COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 1,537,097.

  • Active cases: 55,069 or 3.6% of the total
  • Recoveries: 2,330, pushing total to 1,455,137
  • Deaths: 0, bringing total to 26,891

July 22, 2021

Health authorities record 5,828 new coronavirus cases in the country, bringing the national tally to 1,530,266.

  • Recoveries: 3,257 new; 1,452,813 total
  • Deaths: 17 new; 26,891 total
  • Active cases: 50,562 or 3.3% of total

July 21, 2021

The Department of Health logs 6,560 more COVID-19 infections, pushing the country's total to 1,524,449.

  • Active cases: 47,996 or 3.1% of the total
  • Recoveries: 5,364, bringing the number to 1,449,579
  • Deaths: 32, or now 26,874 in total

July 19, 2021

Health authorities record 5,651 new coronavirus infections in the Philippines, pushing the national caseload to 1,513,396.

  • Recoveries: 5,332 new; 1,439,049 total
  • Deaths: 72 new; 26,786 total
  • Active cases: 47,561 or 3.1% of total

July 18, 2021

Coronavirus infections in the Philippines rise to 1,507,755 with 5,411 new cases reported Sunday.

  • Recoveries: 5,439 new; 1,433,851 total
  • Deaths: 117 new; 26,714 total
  • Active cases: 47,190 or 3.1% of total

July 17, 2021

The Department of Health registers 6,040 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the national caseload to 1,502,359.

  • Active cases: 47,257 or 3.1% of the total
  • Recoveries: 7,213, bringing total to 1,428,504
  • Fatalities: 122, pushing death toll to 26,598

July 16, 2021

The Department of Health logs 5,676 more COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 1,496,328.

  • Active cases: 48,480 or 3.2% of the total
  • Recoveries: 2,670, pushing total to 1,421,372
  • Deaths: 162, bringing total to 26,476

July 15, 2021

The Philippines' coronavirus caseload now stands at 1,490,665 with 5,221 new cases reported Thursday.

  • Recoveries: 4,147 new; 1,418,856 total
  • Deaths: 82 new; 26,314 total
  • Active cases: 45,495 or 3.1% of total

July 15, 2021

The government announces new community quarantine classifications a few hours before the old ones expire.

MECQ

  • Bataan
  • Iloilo City, Iloilo Province (until July 22)
  • Cagayan de Oro City
  • Davao Occidental
  • Davao De Oro
  • Davao del Sur
  • Davao del Norte
  • Butuan City

GCQ with heightened restrictions

  • Cagayan
  • Laguna
  • Lucena City
  • Naga City
  • Aklan
  • Bacolod City
  • Antique
  • Capiz (until July 22)
  • Negros Oriental
  • Zamboanga del Sur
  • Davao City

GCQ

  • National Capital Region
  • Baguio City
  • Apayao
  • Santiago City
  • Isabela
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Quirino
  • Bulacan
  • Cavite
  • Rizal
  • Quezon
  • Batangas
  • Puerto Princesa City
  • Guimaras
  • Negros Occidental
  • Zamboanga Sibugay
  • Zamboanga City
  • Zamboanga Del Norte
  • Davao Oriental
  • General Santos City
  • Sultan Kudarat
  • Sarangani
  • Cotabato
  • South Cotabato
  • Agusan Del Norte
  • Surigao Del Norte
  • Agusan Del Sur
  • Dinagat Island
  • Surigao Del Sur
  • Cotabato City

MGCQ

  • Rest of the Philippines

July 13, 2021

The Philippines' coronavirus tally is now at 1,481,660 with 3,604 new cases reported Tuesday.

  • Recoveries: 5,840 new; 1,408,634 total
  • Deaths: 77 new; 26,092 total
  • Active cases: 46,934 or 3.2% of total cases

July 12, 2021

Health authorities log 5,204 new COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, bringing the total to 1,478,061.

  • Recoveries: 5,811 new; 1,402,918 total
  • Deaths: 100 new; 26,015 total
  • Active cases: 49,128 new or 3.3% of total

July 11, 2021

Coronavirus cases in the Philippines climb to 1,473,025 with 5,916 new cases reported on Sunday.

  • Recoveries: 6,127 new; 1,397,403 total
  • Deaths: 105 new; 25,921 total
  • Active cases: 49,701 or 3.4% of total

July 10, 2021

The Department of Health reports 5,675 more COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 1,467,119.

  • Active cases: 49,968 or 3.4% of the total
  • Recoveries: 7,552, pushing total to 1,391,335
  • Deaths: 96, bringing total to 25,816

July 9, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 5,881 COVID-19 infections, bringing the total number of cases of the respiratory disease in the Philippines to 1,461,455.

  • Active cases: 51,902 or 3.6% of the total
  • Recoveries: 3,003, pushing total to 1,383,833
  • Fatalities: 70, bringing death toll to 25,720

July 8, 2021

Health authorities log 5,484 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, pushing the Philippines' caseload to 1,455,585.

  • Recoveries: 3,925 new; 1,380,899 total
  • Deaths: 191 new; 26,650 total
  • Active cases: 49,036 or 3.4% of total

July 7, 2021

Coronavirus cases in the Philippines climb to 1,450,110 with 4,289 new cases reported Wednesday.

  • Recoveries: 6,399 new; 1,377,132 total
  • Deaths: 164 new; 25,459 total
  • Active cases: 47,519 or 3.3% of total

July 6, 2021

Health authorities log 4,114 more COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, bringing the total to 1,445,832.

  • Recoveries: 6,086 new; 1,370,923 total
  • Deaths: 104 new; 25,296 total
  • Active cases: 49,613 or 3.4% of total

July 5, 2021

The Philippines' coronavirus tally jumps to 1,441,746 with 5,392 new cases reported Monday.

  • Recoveries: 6,477 new; 1,364,960 total
  • Deaths: 43 new; 25,192 total
  • Active cases: 51,594 or 3.6% of total

July 4, 2021

Health authorities log 5,966 more coronavirus cases on Sunday, pushing the Philippines' tally to 1,436,369.

  • Recoveries: 6,987 new; 1,358,512 total
  • Deaths: 86 new; 25,149 total
  • Active cases: 52,708 or 3.7% of total

July 3, 2021

The Department of Health registers 5,908 more COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 1,430,419.

  • Active cases: 53,665 or 3.8% of the total
  • Recoveries: 7,698, pushing total to 1,351,691
  • Deaths: 90, bringing total to 25,063

July 2, 2021

The Department of Health logs 6,192 more COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 1,424,518.

  • Active cases: 55,482 or 3.9% of the total
  • Recoveries: 2,212, pushing total to 1,344,063
  • Deaths: 177, bringing total to 24,973

July 1, 2021

The DOH logs 5,795 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the country's tally to 1,418,337.

  • Recoveries: 2,859 new; 1,341,973 total
  • Deaths: 135 new; 24,797 total
  • Active cases: 51,567 or 3.6% of total

June 30, 2021

The inter-agency task force on COVID-19 approves the final quarantine classifications for July.

Modified enhanced community quarantine
(July 1 to 15)

  • Cagayan
  • Bataan
  • Lucena City
  • Puerto Princesa
  • Naga City
  • Iloilo City
  • Iloilo
  • Negros Oriental
  • Zamboanga del Sur
  • Zamboanga del Norte
  • Cagayan de Oro
  • Davao City
  • Davao de Oro
  • Davao del Sur
  • Davao del Norte
  • Butuan City
  • Dinagat Islands
  • Surigao del Sur

General community quarantine

(July 1 to 15)

  • Apayao

*with some restrictions

  • Metro Manila
  • Rizal
  • Bulacan

*with heightened restrictions

  • Laguna
  • Cavite

(July 1 to 31)

  • Baguio City
  • Santiago City, Isabela
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Quirino
  • Batangas
  • Quezon
  • Guimaras
  • Aklan
  • Bacolod City
  • Negros Occidental
  • Antique
  • Capiz
  • Zamboanga Sibugay
  • Zamboanga City
  • Iligan City
  • General Santos City
  • Sultan Kudarat
  • Sarangani
  • Cotabato
  • South Cotabato
  • Agusan del Norte
  • Surigao del Norte
  • Agusan del Surigao
  • Cotabato City

Modified general community quarantine

(July 1 to 31)

  • All other areas in the country

June 30, 2021

The total of coronavirus cases in the Philippines is now at 1,412,559 with 4,509 new cases reported Wednesday.

  • Recoveries: 5,839 new; 1,339,248 total
  • Deaths: 105 new; 24,662 total
  • Active cases: 48,649 or 3.4% of total

June 29, 2021

The DOH reports 4,479 new COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, bringing the total to 1,408,058.

  • Recoveries: 6,471 new; 1,333,464 total
  • Deaths: 101 new; 24,557 total
  • Active cases: 50,037 or 3.6% of total

June 28, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 5,604 COVID-19 infections, bringing the national caseload to 1,403,588.

  • Active cases: 52,029 or 3.7% of the total
  • Recoveries: 6,154, bringing the number to 1,327,103 
  • Deaths: 84, or now 24,456 in total

June 26, 2021

The Department of Health logs 6,871 more COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 1,391,911.

  • Active cases: 53,447 or 3.8% of the total
  • Recoveries: 8,720, pushing total to 1,314,220
  • Deaths: 92, bringing total to 24,224

June 25, 2021

The Department of Health announces an additional 6,812 COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 1,385,053.

  • Active cases: 55,293 or 4.0% of the total
  • Recoveries: 2,867, pushing total to 1,305,608
  • Deaths: 116, bringing total to 24,152

June 24, 2021

Health authorities report 6,043 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the national tally to 1,378,260.

  • Recoveries: 4,486 new; 1,302,814 total
  • Deaths: 108 new; 24,036 total
  • Active cases: 51,410 or 3.7% of total

June 23, 2021

The Philippines logs a total of 1,372,232 COVID-19 cases with 4,353 new cases reported Wednesday.

  • Recoveries: 7,139 new; 1,298,442 total
  • Deaths: 119 new; 23,928 total
  • Active cases: 49,862 or 3.6% of total

June 22, 2021

Health authorities report 3,666 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the Philippines' caseload to 1,367,894.

  • Recoveries: 6,810 new; 1,291,389 total 
  • Deaths: 60 new; 23,809 total
  • Active cases: 53,696 or 3.9% of total

June 21, 2021

Wearing face shields, both indoors and outdoors, is still mandatory, Malacañang says.

"Acting on the advice of health experts and in view of the Delta variant, PRRD declared that the wearing of face shields, both indoor and outdoor, is still mandatory," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque says on Twitter.

June 21, 2021

The DOH reports 5,249 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, pushing the Philippines' tally to 1,364,239.

  • Recoveries: 7,053 new; 1,284,643 total
  • Deaths: 128 new; 23,749 total
  • Active cases: 55,857 new; 4.1% of total

June 20, 2021

Coronavirus cases in the Philippines rise to 1,359,015 with 5,803 new cases reported Sunday.

  • Recoveries: 7,652 new; 1,277,715 total
  • Deaths: 84 new; 23,621 total
  • Active cases: 57,679 or 4.2% of total

June 18, 2021

Doctors in General Santos City, which is under a general community quarantine, are appealing to local government to impose a hard lockdown as they deal with a surge of COVID-19 cases.

Dr. Fidel Peñamante, president of the Philippine Medical Association-General Santos chapter, says in a Philippine News Agency report, that the number of patients admitted to COVID-19 referral hospitals doubled in two weeks.

“During the first wave last year, it took three months until we recorded 40 deaths. In the current wave, we reached that number in just one and a half months,” Peñamante says.

June 17, 2021

The inter-agency task force on COVID-19 resolves to recommend the mandatory wearing of face shields indoors, such as hospitals, schools, workplaces and commercial establishments.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque says while waiting for the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte on the recommendation, the existing policy on the use of face shields will remain.

"The wearing of face shields such stays, such in food establishments, malls and public markets), public transport and terminals, and places of worship," Roque says.

June 17, 2021

The DOH logs 6,637 new coronavirus cases in the Philippines, pushing the total to 1,339,457.

  • Recoveries: 4,585 new; 1,257,774 total
  • Deaths: 155 new; 23, 278 total
  • Active cases: 58,407 or 4.4% of total

June 16, 2021

Health authorities report 5,414 new COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, pushing the national caseload to 1,332,832.

  • Recoveries: 7,637 new; 1,253,541 total
  • Deaths: 158 new; 23,121 total
  • Active cases: 56,170 or 4.2% of total

April 3, 2021

The Lipa City health office logs 69 new COVID-19 infections – the highest in April – raising the total to 2,359.

Among the new infections were four call center agents. The youngest among them was a 22-year-old male agent from Barangay 7, who had cough and fever and previously got exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 positive patient.

Also testing positive was a 23-year-old female agent and 28-year-old female agent, both from Barangay Marawoy. A 28-year-old woman from Barangay Sabang, who had colds and cough, also got infected by the virus.

The said patients are already quarantined while health authorities continue to conduct contact tracing for their close contacts. Lipa City now has 1897 recoveries, with 20 new recoveries reported Friday. This means 80.4% have recovered from COVID, higher than Batangas province’s 45.82% recovery rate. — The Filipino Connection/Marlon Luistro

March 27, 2021

The Department of Health reports an additional 9,595 cases of the coronavirus disease, bringing the national tally to 712,442. To date, there are 118,122 active cases.

481 individuals are reported to have recovered, pushing the total number of recoveries to  581,161. The DOH logs 10 new deaths, bringing the death toll to 13,159

March 27, 2021

St. Luke's Medical Center is requiring a mandatory COVID-19 swab test for patients and their companions prior to admission.

"Due to the current surge of COVID-19 cases, St. Luke's Medical Center would require COVID-19 swab test for all patients and their companions prior to admission effective March 29, 2021," the statement reads.

March 26, 2021

The Department of Health records another record high 9,838 new coronavirus cases, pushing the national tally to 702,856.

  • Recoveries: 663 new; total at 580,689
  • Deaths: 54 new; toll at 13,149
  • Active cases: 109,018 or 15.5% of total

March 26, 2021

The inter-agency task force for COVID-19 approves once a day religious gatherings from April 1 to 4 in time for Holy Week.

IATF spokesperson Harry Roque says such gatherings should be done at 10% maximum indoor seating capacity at all times. Mass gatherings or religious activities outside the church or the venue are still prohibited.

March 25, 2021

The Philippines reports a new record high of 8,773 COVID-19 cases, pushing the total to 693,048.

  • Recoveries: 574 new; total at 580,062
  • Deaths: 56 new; toll at 13,095
  • Active cases: 99,891 or 14.4% of total

March 24, 2021

The Department of Health logs 6,666 new coronavirus cases, pushing the national tally to 684,311.

To date, there are 91,754 active cases. The health department reports 1,072 new recoveries, bringing the overall count to 579,518 and 47 new deaths, bringing death toll to 13,039

March 23, 2021

The Philippines' coronavirus caseload climbs to 677,653 with 5,867 new cases reported Tuesday.

  • Recoveries: 620 new, total at 578,461 
  • Deaths: 20 new, total at 12,992 
  • Active cases: record high 86,200 or 12.7% of total

March 22, 2021

The Department of Health reports a new record high of 8,019 coronavirus cases, pushing the national caseload to 671,792.

  • Recoveries: 103, pushing total to 577,850
  • Deaths: 4, bringing total to 12,972
  • Active cases: 80,970 or 12.1% of the total

March 21, 2021

NEDA acting chief Karl Chua insists on localized lockdowns even as COVID-19 cases spike now. 

"We need to continue managing risks as Covid cases rise. We do this by focusing on localized quarantines and addressing the sources of highest risk, so that the jobs/livelihood of the far majority will not be affected," Chua says. — report from Prinz Magtulis.

March 20, 2021

The Department of Health logs 7,999 additional COVID-19 infections, the highest daily rise in cases seen in the country since the onset of the pandemic.

This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines to 656,056.

March 19, 2021

Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso places a street, building and twelve more barangays under a four-day lockdown amid a spike of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The following areas will be placed under lockdown starting Monday, March 22, at 12:01 a.m. until Thursday, March 25 at 11:59 p.m.:

  • Barangay 107
  • Barangay 147
  • Barangay 256
  • Barangay 262
  • Barangay 297
  • Barangay 350
  • Barangay 385
  • Barangay 513
  • Barangay 519
  • Barangay 624
  • Barangay 696
  • Barangay 831
  • Street lockdown (Barangay 353): Kusang Loob Street, Sta. Cruz
  • Clustering Lockdown (Barangay 658): NYK Fil-Ship Management Building

March 19, 2021

Philippines registers an additional 7,103 COVID-19 infections, the highest daily rise since the start of the pandemic. This brings the total number of COVID-19 infections to 648,066.

March 18, 2021

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez is in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

The lawmaker urges everyone who had close contact with him to undergo RT-PCR test.

"Rest assured that I will go back to work and perform my duties as Majority Leader of the House of Representatives as soon as I get a clean bill of health from health authorities," Romualdez says in a statement released Wednesday night.

March 17, 2021

The Department of Health logs 4,387 additional COVID-19 cases, pushing the national caseload to 635,698.

  • Deaths: 18 new, bringing death toll to 12,866
  • Recoveries: 374 new, pushing total to 561,099
  • Active cases: 61,733 or 9.7%

March 16, 2021

The DOH logs 4,437 new COVID-19 cases. The total reported cases has reached 631,320 on March 16, 2021. 

  • New deaths: 11, total at 12,848
  • New recoveries: 166, total at 560,736
  • Total active cases: 57,736

March 16, 2021

The Health Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 propose decongestion of workplace through work from home setups and shifting systems as the country experiences yet another surge in cases.

The doctors' group clarifies that they are not yet calling for a "time out" but asks the public to strictly observe health protocols.

The group also discourages mass gatherings, such as reunions. — report from The STAR/Sheila Crisostomo

March 15, 2021

The Philippines on Monday, March 15 logs 5,404 additional COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections to 626,893.

  • Active cases: 53,479 or 8.5% of the total cases
  • Recoveries: 71, pushing total to 560,577
  • Deaths: 8, bringing total to 12,837

March 13, 2021

The Philippines logs an additional 5,000 COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections to 616,611. This marks the highest daily rise since Aug. 26, 2020, when the Philippines recorded 5,277 cases.

The Department of Health also reports 281 new recoveries, bringing the 547,166 total while 72 new deaths raise the death toll to 12,776. There are 55,679 active cases.

March 12, 2021

The Philippines logs an additional 4,578 COVID-19 cases, the highest since mid-September. This brings the total number of infections to 611,618.  

The Department of Health also reports 272 new recoveries, bringing the 546,912 total while 87 new deaths raise the death toll to 12,694. To date, there are 52,012 active cases

March 9, 2021

Coronavirus infections in the Philippines climb to 600,428 Tuesday after the Department of Health reported 2,668 additional cases.

Of these, 41,822, or 7%, are active cases.

The DOH also reports 171 more survivors, pushing the total of recoveries to 546,078 while the country's death toll is at 12,528 with 7 new fatalities.

March 8, 2021

The Philippines logs 3,356 additional coronavirus cases on Monday, pushing the total to 597,763, with 39,330 active cases.

The Department of Health also reports 61 new recoveries, bringing the 545,912 total while 5 new deaths raise the death toll to 12,521.

March 7, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 3,276 cases of the coronavirus disease, bringing the national caseload to 594,412.

It also registers 10,516 new recoveries and 51 more fatalities, bringing the total of survivors to 545,853 and the death toll to 12,516, respectively.

Active cases in the Philippines are at 36,043 or 6.1% of the total cases.

March 4, 2021

The Philippines logs an additional 2,452 COVID-19 cases, pushing the total to 584,667.

The death toll climbs to 12,404 with 15 more deaths while the recovery count climbs to 535,037 with 266 more survivors.

Active cases in the country are at 37,226.

March 3, 2021

The Department of Health reports an additional 1,783 COVID-19 cases in the country, bringing the national tally to 582,223, of which 35,056 are active cases.

The country's death toll is at 12,389 with 20 new fatalities, while the total of survivors is at 534,778 with 330 more recoveries.

March 1, 2021

As the Philippines starts its vaccination program, the Department of Health logs 2,037 more COVID-19 cases, pushing the national caseload to 578,381. 

The DOH also reports 86 more recoveries and 4 additional fatalities, bringing the total of survivors to 534,351 and the death toll to 12,322, respectively.

Active cases in the country are at 31,708.

February 27, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 2,921 COVID-19 infections, the highest this year. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines to 574,247.

February 27, 2021

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque says Metro Manila will remain under general community quarantine.

February 26, 2021

The Philippines records the highest rise in daily cases since October with 2,651 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the national tally to 571,327.

The country's death toll is at 12,247 with 46 more fatalities while the total of survivors is at 524,582 with 561 additional recoveries.

Active cases in the country are at 34,498.

February 23, 2021

The Department of Health registers 1,414 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the national caseload to 564,865.

Of these, 29,817 are active cases. 

The DOH also registers 16 new deaths and 72 additional survivors, bringing the death toll to 12,107 and the total of survivors to 522,941.

February 22, 2021

There will be no nationwide shift to the more lenient Modified General Community Quarantine until the national vaccination program against COVID-19, News5 reports, citing a senator close to the president.

The Palace has yet to issue an official statement.

February 22, 2021

The Department of Health records another 2,288 COVID-19 cases, pushing the national caseload to 563,456.

The DOH also logs 6 new fatalities and 33 additional survivors, bringing the death toll to 12,094 and the total of survivors to 522,874.

Active cases in the country are at 28,488.

February 20, 2021

The Department of Health reports an additional 2,240 COVID-19 infections, bringing the national caseload to 559,288.

To date, there are 34,100 active cases. The Philippines' death toll rises to 12,068 with 239 more fatalities while the total of recovered patients is at 513,120 with 504 new survivors.

February 19, 2021

The Philippines' coronavirus tally reaches 557,058 with 1,901 additional cases reported Friday. Of which, 32,440 are considered active cases.

The country's death toll also rises to 11,829 with 157 more fatalities while the total of recovered patients is at 512,789 with 537 new survivors.

February 18, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 1,744 COVID-19 infections, pushing the national tally to 555,163 on Thursday.

Of the confirmed cases, 31,115 are active. The country's death toll is now at 11,673 with 96 new deaths while the total of survivors is at 512,375 with 412 additional recoveries.

February 17, 2021

The Philippines' coronavirus count climbs to 553,424 with 1,184  additional cases reported Wednesday. Of the confirmed cases, 29,814 are active.

The country's death toll is at 11,577 with 53 new deaths while the total of survivors is at 512,033 with 271 more recoveries.

February 17, 2021

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco agrees with the proposal of the National Economic and Development Authority to place the entire country under modified general community in March.

The House leader says it is time to relax pandemic restrictions to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

With vaccines on the way, we should start encouraging our countrymen to patronize businesses again while strictly adhering to minimum health and safety protocols," Velasco says.

February 16, 2021

The Department of Health registers an additional 1,391 COVID-19 cases, bringing the national tally to 552,246.

Of those, 28,926 or 5.2% are considered active. The country's death toll is at 11,524 with seven new deaths while the total of survivors is at 511,796 with 45 more recoveries.

February 15, 2021

The Philippines' coronavirus count jumps to 550,860 with 1,685 additional cases reported Monday. Of these, 27,588 are active cases.

The country's death toll is at 11,517 with 2 new deaths while the total of survivors is at 511,755 with 14 more recoveries.

February 13, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 1,960 cases of the coronavirus disease, bringing the national tally to 547,255.

Of the confirmed cases, 34,967 are active. The country's death toll reaches 11,507 with 12 more deaths, while the total of survivors climbs to 500,781 with 133 more recoveries.

February 12, 2021

Another 2,022 coronavirus cases bring the Philippines' tally to 545,300, of which 33,151 are active cases.

The country's death toll reaches 11,495 with 26 additional deaths, while the total of survivors climbs to 500,654 with 333 more recoveries.

February 12, 2021

Religious gatherings in areas under general community quarantine will be allowed to open up to 50% venue capacity starting February 15.

The inter-agency task force on COVID-19 also allows the following businesses to resume operations: driving schools, traditional cinemas, video and interactive game arcades; libraries, archives, museums, cultural centers; meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions; limited social events at accredited establishments of the Department of Tourism.

February 10, 2021

The Department of Health logs 1,345 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 541,560.

To date, there are 30,188 active cases. Recoveries climb to 499,971 after 276 more have recovered while the death toll increases to 11,401 with 114 new fatalities.

February 9, 2021

Coronavirus cases in the Philippines hit 540,227 with 1,235 newly reported cases. 

The country's death toll is at 11,296 with 65 more fatalities while the total of survivors rises to 499,764 with 53 more recoveries.

With these, active cases in the country are at 29,167.

February 8, 2021

The Philippines logs another 1,690 COVID-19 cases, pushing the total to 538,995, of which 27,992 are considered active cases.

The country's death toll hits 11,231 with 52 additional deaths, while the total of survivors is at 499,772 with 23 newly reported recoveries.

February 6, 2021

The Department of Health reports an additional 1,941 new cases of the coronavirus disease. This brings the total number of COVID-19 infections in the Philippines to 535,521.

Of this total, 35,946 are active cases.

The Department of Health also logs 52 new deaths, pushing the death toll to 11,110 while the total of survivors increased to 488,465 with 234 more recoveries.

February 5, 2021

Philippines' COVID-19 fatality count exceeds 11,000 after 61 new deaths were reported on Friday.  

The Department of Health also registers 1,894 new COVID-19 infections, pushing the national caseload to to 533,587.

To date, there are 34,255 active cases.

February 4, 2021

The Department of Health confirms 1,590 new infections, bringing the national caseload to 531,699.

To date, 32,775 are active cases. Fifty-five more died and 249 have recovered, raising the fatality count to 10,997 and recovery count to 487,927.

February 3, 2021

With 1,266 new cases reported Wednesday, the Philippines' coronavirus tally rises to 530,118. Of this total, 31,455 are active cases.

The Department of Health also logs 68 new deaths, pushing the death toll to 10,942 while the total of survivors increased to 487,721 with 130 more recoveries.

February 2, 2021

The Philippines adds 1,583 cases to its coronavirus tally, pushing the total to 528,853, of which 30,368 are active cases.

The total of survivors is at 487,611 with 39 new recoveries while the death toll rises to 10,874 with 67 additional fatalities.

February 1, 2021

The Philippines' coronavirus caseload rises to 527,272 with 1,658 additional cases reported Monday, 28,891 of which are active cases.

The Department of Health also logs 27 more survivors, bringing the total of recoveries to 487,574 while the death toll hits 10,807 with 58 more fatalities.

January 31, 2021

Coronavirus cases in the Philippines reach 525,618 with 2,103 additional cases reported Sunday, 27,318 of which are active cases.

The country's death toll is at 10,749 with 80 more deaths while total recoveries are at 457,551 with 11,653 new recoveries.

January 31, 2021

Another 34 individuals out of 2,848 tested positive for COVID-19 in the second batch of mass testing in the House of Representatives.

Due to this, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco ordered a stricter enforcement of health and safety protocols within Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

“Coronavirus cases in the House have been brought down quite remarkably but because of the new strain, we cannot be complacent,” House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza says.

January 30, 2021

The Department of Health registers 2,109 new cases of the coronavirus disease, bringing the national tally to 523,516.

Of the confirmed cases, 36,943 are active. Total deaths climb to 10,699 with 71 new deaths while total recoveries increase to 475,904 with 146 new recoveries.

January 29, 2021

The Department of Health registers an additional 1,849 cases of the coronavirus disease, bringing the national caseload to 521,413.

Of the confirmed cases, 35,048 are active. Total deaths climb to 10,600 with 48 new fatalities. Total recoveries increase to 475,765 with 177 new recoveries.

January 28, 2021

The Department of Health reports 1,169 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the national caseload to 519,575.

Of the total cases, 33,427 are active. COVID-19 deaths increase by 71, raising the death toll to 10,552. Recoveries reach 475,596 after 60 more people have recovered. 

January 28, 2021

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. will undergo quarantine after meeting with officers who tested positive with COVID-19.

Locsin says the Department of Foreign Affairs will also be on lockdown until Tuesday until they test again.

January 27, 2021

The Department of Health reports 2,245 additional COVID-19 cases in the country, pushing the national caseload to 518,407.

Among the positive cases, 32,384 are active cases.

The country's death is at 10,481 with 95 new deaths while total of recovered patients stand at 475,542 with 140 more recoveries.

January 26, 2021

The Department of Health registers an additional 1,173 COVID-19 infections. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines to 516,166.

To date, there are 30,357 active cases. Total fatalities climb to 10,386 with 94 new deaths. The Department of Health reports 18 mass recoveries, pushing the total of survivors to 475,423.

January 25, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte rejects the proposal of the inter-agency task force to allow children aged 10 to 14 years old to go outside their homes.

Citing the presence of the new COVID-19 variant in the country, the president says children should stay at home as a precaution.

"It's a sacrifice for the parents and for the children," Duterte says in a recorded address aired Monday night.

January 25, 2021

Coronavirus infections in the Philippines rise to 514,996 with 1,581 newly reported cases reported Monday, 29,282 of which are active cases.

The Department of Health also logs 13 new recoveries, bringing the total of survivors to 475,422.

The county's death toll is at 10,292 with 50 more deaths.

January 24, 2021

Coronavirus infections in the Philippines jump to 513,619 with 1,949 newly reported cases, 27,765 of which are active cases.

The Department of Health reports 7,729 mass recoveries, pushing the total of survivors to 475,612.

Meanwhile, the country's death toll is at 10.242 with 53 more deaths.

January 23, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 1,797 COVID-19 infections. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines to 511,679.

To date, there are 33,603 active cases. Total deaths now at 10,190 with 54 new fatalities. Total recoveries increase to 467,886 with 166 new recoveries.

January 22, 2021

The Department of Health registers 2,178 new cases of the coronavirus disease, bringing the national tally to 509,887.

Of the confirmed cases, 32,031 are active. Total deaths now at 10,136 with 20 new fatalities. Total recoveries climb to 467,720 with 250 new recoveries.

January 21, 2021

A Social Weather Stations survey shows that 69% of Filipino families received financial aid from the government since the COVID-19 crisis started.

Meanwhile, 7% of families say they received help from the private sector.

The poll was conducted from Nov. 21 to 25, 2020 using face-to-face interviews among 1,500 adults nationwide.

January 21, 2021

The Department of Health logs another 1,783 coronavirus cases Thursday, pushing the national tally to 507,717, of which 30,126 or 5.9% are active cases.

The country's death toll is at 10,116 with 74 additional deaths reported.

Total of survivors stand at 467,475 with 500 more recoveries recorded.

January 21, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 1,783 COVID-19 infections, bringing the national tally to 507,717.

To date, there are 30,126 or 5.9% active cases. Recoveries at 467,475 after 500 more people were cleared of the deadly virus. Death toll climb by 74 to 10,116.

January 20, 2021

Coronavirus infections in the Philippines reach 505,939 with 1,862 new cases reported Wednesday, 28,904 of which are active cases.

The country's death toll also breached the 10,000-mark with 64 more deaths, pushing the total to 10,042.

Total of survivors are at 466,993 with 765 additional recoveries.

January 19, 2021

Coronavirus infections in the Philippines grow to 504,084 with 1,357 newly reported cases Tuesday. Among the total cases, 27,857 are active cases.

The Department of Health also reports 324 more recoveries, pushing the total of survivors to 466,249 while the death toll stands at 9,978 with 69 additional deaths.

January 18, 2021

With 2,163 newly reported cases, coronavirus infections in the Philippines climb to 502,736 on Monday.

Active cases stand at 26,839 or 5.3% of the total cases.

Total of recovered patients is at 465,988 with two more recoveries while the death toll is at 9,909 with 14 additional deaths.

January 17, 2021

Coronavirus cases in the Philippines reach 500,577 with 1,895 new cases reported Sunday.

The Department of Health also logs 5,868 new survivors, bringing the recovery count to 465,991 while the death toll is at 9,895 with 11 new fatalities.

Active cases are at 24,691.

January 17, 2021

More than 400,000 overseas Filipino workers affected by the COVID-19 crisis have been brought home by the government, the DOLE reports.

Figures from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration show that 8,274 were sent to their home provinces last week, while 7,895 were also transported in the preceding week.

"After their ordeal in their country of origin, our dear OFWs were all provided accommodation, food, transportation and cash assistance by the government. Now, they are safely home with their families," Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III says.

January 16, 2021

The Department of Health reports an additional 2,058 cases of the coronavirus disease. This brings the total number of COVID-19 infections in the Philippines to 498,691.

To date, there are 28,674 active cases. The DOH also reports eight new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 9,884. 406 more recovered, bringing the total number of COVID-19 survivors to 460,133.

January 15, 2021

COVID-19 cases in the Philippines climb to 496,646 with 2,048 newly reported cases Friday.

Of the confirmed cases, 27,033 are active. The Department of Health also reports 551 new recoveries and 137 new deaths, bringing the total of recovered patients to 459,737 and the death toll to 9,876.

January 14, 2021

COVID-19 infections in the Philippines climb to 494,605 with 1,912 newly reported cases Thursday, with 25,614 active cases.

The Department of Health also reports 746 new recoveries and 40 new deaths, bringing the total of recovered patients to 459,252 and the death toll to 9,739.

January 12, 2021

The Department of Health logs an additional 1,524 coronavirus cases, pushing the national caseload to 491,258.

Among the positive cases, 23,532 are active cases.

The DOH also records 44 additional recoveries and 139 new deaths, bringing the total of recovered patients to 458,172 and the death toll to 9,554.

January 11, 2021

President Rodrigo Duterte will deliver a public address on Wednesday to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines as the government continues to prevent the entry of a more infectious variant of the virus.

Duterte usually talks to the nation every Monday but this week's speech was moved to Wednesday because he had to convene a full cabinet meeting yesterday.

"Tonight (January 11), there will be a Cabinet meeting. And the Talk to the People will be on Wednesday," presidential spokesman Harry Roque said at a press briefing. —  The STAR/Alexis Romero

January 11, 2021

The Philippines records an additional 2,052 COVID-19 cases, pushing the national caseload to 489,736.

Among the confirmed cases, 22,114 are active cases.

The total to recovered patients slightly grows to 458,206 with 10 new recoveries, while the death toll is now at 9,416 with 11 new deaths.

January 10, 2021

COVID-19 infections in the Philippines rise to 487,690 with 1,906 newly reported cases.

The Department of Health also logs 8 additional deaths, pushing the death toll to 9,405 while recoveries increase by 6,592 to 458,198.

Total active cases in the country stand at 20,087.

January 7, 2021

The Department of Health reports 1,353 additional COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, bringing the total to 482,083.

Among the positive cases, 23,675 or 4.9% are considered active.

The total of recovered patients rises to 449,052 with 360 new recoveries while the death toll grows to 9,356 with 9 additional deaths.

January 6, 2021

COVID-19 infections in the Philippines rise to 480,737 with 1,047 newly reported cases Wednesday.

The Department of Health also reports 339 new recoveries and 26 additional deaths, pushing the total of recovered patients to 448,700 and the death toll to 9,347.

With these latest figures, active cases in the country stand at 22,690.

January 6, 2021

Philippine Airlines says it has turned over to the Bureau of Quarantine all the necessary information to enable contact tracing after a passenger from Manila was detected with the new strain of COVID-19 in Hong Kong.

The flagship carrier says it is cooperating with health authorities to help ensure air travel is safe amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"The passenger (whose identity we cannot disclose) presented a negative covid test before taking the Manila to Hong Kong flight last December 22," PAL says in a statement Wednesday.

January 5, 2021

The Philippines' coronavirus tally climbs to 479,693 with 937 newly reported cases Tuesday.

The Department of Health also reports114 more recoveries, pushing the total of recovered cases to 448,375 while the death toll rises to 9,321 with 58 new deaths.

Active cases in the country now stand at 21,997.

January 4, 2021

Sulu is placed on a 14-day lockdown starting Monday against possible transmission from the new strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) from the nearby state of Sabah, Malaysia.

Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan Sr. says the closure of its border is part of its preventive and preemptive measures to protect its constituents from the contagion, citing the province’s proximity to Sabah where the new COVID-19 variant was reportedly detected.

“Effective January 4 to 17, 2021 no passengers from airplane or boat are allowed to enter or leave the province of Sulu,” Tan says in his advisory. — The STAR/Roel Pareño

January 4, 2021

COVID-19 cases in the Philippines reach 478,761 with 959 newly reported cases on Monday. Of the total cases in the country, 21,219 are considered active.

The total of recovered patients climb to 448,279 with 26 additional recoveries, while the death toll rose to 9,263 with 4 new deaths. 

January 3, 2021

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III says Filipino nurse Charito Romano, whom the Queen of England has recognized for her exemplary work at a home care amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, makes Filipinos "very proud."

"Nurse Romano’s outstanding performance exemplifies the Filipino virtues at work even under worst conditions and personal risks. What a very inspiring story for our overseas workers to start the new year," Bello says in a statement released Sunday.

Romano was among the recipients of the Medal of the Order of the British Empire in Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year Honours List 2021.

January 3, 2021

The Department of Health on Sunday reports an additional 891 COVID-19 cases, bringing the national caseload to 477,807.

Total recoveries grow to 448,258 with 8,316 new mass recoveries while the country's death toll rises to 9,257 with 4 new deaths.

December 24, 2020

The Philippines' coronavirus tally hits 465,724 with 1,776 new cases reported on Christmas Eve.

The Department of Health also logs 533 additional recoveries, bringing the total of recovered patients to 430,490. The country's death toll climbs to 9,055 with 7 new deaths reported.

Among the total reported cases, 26,179 are active cases.

December 23, 2020

Total COVID-19 cases in the Philippines reaches 464,004 with 1,196 new reported cases Wednesday.

The Department of Health also records 564 additional recoveries, pushing the total of recovered patients to 429,972. The country's death toll climbs to 9,048 with 27 new deaths.

Of the total cases in the country, 24,948 are considered active cases.

December 22, 2020

The Philippines records an additional 1,314 COVID-19 cases, bringing the national tally to 462,815.

The Department of Health also reports 247 new recoveries and 66 additional deaths, pushing the total of recovered patients to 429,419 and the death toll to 9,021.

Of the total cases in the country, 24,375 are active cases.

December 21, 2020

The Department of Health records 1,721 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the national caseload to 461,505.

Of the total of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, 5.1% or 23,341 of which are considered active cases.

The national death toll is now at 8,957 with 10 additional deaths, while total recoveries stand at 429,207 with 82 newly reported recovered patients.

December 20, 2020

The Department of Health reports 1,754 additional COVID-19 cases, bringing the total cases in the country to 459,789.

The DOH also logs 8,080 mass recoveries, pushing the total of recovered patients to 429,134. The country's death toll reaches 8,947 with 36 new reported deaths.

With the latest figures, the total of active cases in the Philippines is now 21,708.

December 15, 2020

The Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease has approved putting Isabela province under General Community Quarantine, BusinessWorld's Gillian Cortez reports quoting the Palace.

Isabela will be under GCQ from the less stringent Modified General Community Quarantine until December 31. Santiago City will remain under MGCQ.

December 13, 2020

Total coronavirus cases in the Philippines climb to 449,400 with the addition of 1,085 newly reported cases Sunday.

The total of recovered patients also jump to to 418,687 with 9,269 new mass recoveries. The country's death toll is at 8,733 with 3 new reported deaths.

Total active cases in the country stand at 21,980.

December 10, 2020

The Department of Health reports an additional 1,383 COVID-19 cases in the country, raising the national tally to 445,540.

The DOH also logs 133 new recoveries and 24 new deaths, bringing the total of recovered patients to 409,058 and the death toll to 8,701.

Total active cases in the Philippines now stand at 27,781.

December 9, 2020

The Department of Health reports an additional 1,387 COVID-19 cases in the country, raising the national tally to 444,164.

The DOH also logs 156 new recoveries and 7 new deaths, bringing the total of recovered patients to 408,942 and the death toll to 8,677.

Total active cases in the Philippines now stand at 26,545.

December 9, 2020

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez has tested positive for COVID-19, he tells reporters.

Lopez, who says he is asymptomatic and in isolation, says he tested positive on Monday.

The trade department and the rest of the government has been promoting opening up the economy amid a continuing community quarantine across the Philippines.

December 7, 2020

The total number of coronavirus infections nationwide rises to 441,399 with the addition of 1,574 new cases, the Department of Health reports Monday.

Davao City posts the highest number of new cases with 187. Rizal follows with 96, Pampanga with 80, Quezon City with 69 and Pasig City with 59. —  Gaea Katreena Cabico

December 6, 2020

The Department of Health reports 1,768 more COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, pushing the national tally to 439,834.

The DOH also logs 9,062 additional recoveries and 29 new deaths, bringing the total of recovered patients to 408,634 and the death toll to 8,554.

The total of active COVID-19 cases in the Philippines now stands at 22,646.

December 4, 2020

Workshops, trainings, seminars, congresses, conferences, board meetings, colloquia, conclaves, symposia, and consumer trade shows will be allowed at 30-percent capacity in General Community Quarantine Areas, presidential spokesperso Harry Roque says.

The following areas are under GCQ until December 31:

  • Metro Manila
  • Batangas
  • Lanao Del Sur
  • Davao Del Norte
  • Ioilo City
  • Tacloban City
  • Iligan City
  • Davao City

November 30, 2020

Metro Manila, Batangas, Iloilo City, Tacloban City, Lanao del Sur, Iligan and Davao City will remain under GCQ from December 1 to 31, President Rodrigo Duterte announces.

The rest of the country, meanwhile, will remain under modified GCQ.

November 23, 2020

The Department of Health warns of a possible surge in COVID-19 cases during the upcoming holidays.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III says the agency will form a contingency plan for this possible surge.

The DOH will emphasize to the public the need to observe minimum health standards during the holiday season to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

November 22, 2020

Another mass recovery of 10,957 coronavirus survivors along with 1,968 additional infections were reported by the health department Sunday, bringing the national caseload to 418,818. 

The numbers bring the tally to 386,486 total recoveries, good for a 92% recovery rate in the Philippines. 

In its latest case bulletin issued Sunday afternoon, the Department of Health also recorded 43 more casualties linked to the coronavirus, bringing the pathogen's death toll in the country to 8,123.  — Philstar.com/Franco Luna

November 20, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte has put Davao City under General Community Quarantine, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque says.

The city will be under GCQ until November 30.

Metro Manila has been under GCQ since June.

November 18, 2020

With experts from OCTA Research Team labeling Baguio City as one of the COVID-19 “hotspots” of serious concerns, the Department of Tourism says it fully supports all the efforts of the LGU as it implements measures to ensure health and safety of the local visitors. 

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat says the DOT recognizes the able leadership of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. 

"Baguio remains a premier destination especially for our domestic travelers and the Department will exert all efforts to ensure the slow but sure recovery of the industry and help bring livelihood back," Puyat says. — Rosette Adel

November 18, 2020

The Philippines' COVID-19 tally soars to 412,097 following the report of 1,383 additional cases on Wednesday.

The total number of recoveries also grows to 374,666 with 143 new recoveries while the national death toll now stands at 7,957 with 95 new fatalities recorded.

With these latest figures, total active cases in the country now amount to 29,474.

November 17, 2020

The Department of Health on Tuesday reports 1,148 additional COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, raising the national caseload to 410,718.

The DOH also confirms 186 new recoveries, pushing the total reported recoveries to 374,543. The country's death toll now stands at 7,862 with 23 newly reported deaths.

Total active case (net of COVID-19 deaths and recoveries) in the country is now at 28,313.

November 16, 2020

The Department of Health reports 1,738 additional coronavirus cases Monday as the confirmed number of COVID-19 infections nationwide rose to 409,574.

Some 374,366 people have since recovered from COVID-19 after the department announced 45 recoveries. The DOH announced Sunday 11,290 additional recoveries as it implemented its weekly “mass recovery” program. — Gaea Katreena Cabico

November 15, 2020

The Philippines records 11,290 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the national tally to 407,838.

The Department of Health also reports 41 new deaths and 11,290 mass recoveries, pushing the death toll to 7,832 and total of recovered patients to 374,329.

Total active cases in the Philippines now stand at 25,677.

November 9, 2020

The Philippines records 2,058 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the national tally to 398,449.

The Department of Health also reports 108 new deaths and 182 additional recoveries, pushing the death toll to 7,647 and total of recovered patients to 361,784.

Total active cases in the Philippines now stand at 29,018.

November 8, 2020

The Philippines records 2,442 newly reported COVID-19 cases, pushing the national tally to 396,395.

The Department of Health logs 54 new deaths, bringing the death toll to 7,539. The DOH also records 11,430 additional mass recoveries, making the total of recovered patients to 361,638.

With these figures, total active cases in the country now stand at 27,218.

November 2, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. as COVID-19 vaccine czar.

The president says Galvez will be in charge of negotiations on coronavirus vaccines that the country will purchase.

"Pagbili ng bakuna, the negotiation, manufacture, production, or distribution, binigay ko 'yan kay Sec. Galvez," Duterte says in an address to the nation on Monday.

November 1, 2020

The Department of Health on Sunday reports 2,396 additional cases of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, bringing the national caseload to 383,113.

The DOH also confirms 17,727 new mass recoveries and 17 newly-reported deaths, pushing the total of reported recoveries to 348,760 and the death toll to 7,238.

With these figures, the total of active cases (net of deaths and recoveries) in the country is now at 27,115.

October 26, 2020

The Department of Health reports 1,607 new COVID-19 cases Monday, bringing the overall number of infections in the country to more than 371,000.

To date, 371,630 people in the Philippines have had COVID-19. Active cases rose to 36,333, comprising 9.8% of the total cases in the country. — Gaea Katreena Cabico

October 25, 2020

The Department of Health on Sunday reports 2,223 additional cases of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, bringing the national caseload to 370,028.

The DOH also confirms 14,944 new recoveries and 43 newly-reported deaths, pushing the total of reported recoveries to 328,036 and the death toll to 6,977.

With these figures, the total of active cases (net of deaths and recoveries) in the country is now at 35,015.

October 22, 2020

About 60% of adult Filipinos deem the efforts of public transportation owners' actions in preventing the spread of COVID-19 among their employees adequate.

The national mobile survey conducted from September 17 to 20 also found that 27% of the respondents consider them inadequate while 13% are undecided.

The poll was conducted using mobile phone and computer-assisted telephone interviewing among 1,249 adult Filipinos nationwide. Error margin is at ±3% for national percentages, ±6% for Metro Manila, ±5% for Balance Luzon, ±6% for the Visayas, and ±6% for Mindanao.

October 22, 2020

The Department of Health reports 1,644 additional coronavirus cases in the country, pushing the national caseload to 363,888.

The DOH also records 632 new recoveries, bringing the total of recovered cases to 312,222. The Philippines' death toll now stands at 6,783 with 38 new deaths.

Total active cases (net of COVID-19 deaths and recoveries) in the country is now at 44,772.

October 21, 2020

The Department of Health reports 1,509 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, raising the national tally to 362,243.

The DOH also records 911 additional recoveries, pushing the total of recovered patients to 311,506. The national death toll now stands at 6,747 with 60 new deaths reported.

With these figures, the total of active cases (net of deaths and recoveries) in the country is now at 43,990.

October 20, 2020

The Department of Health reports 1,640 additional COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, pushing the national tally to 360,775.

The DOH also records 369 new recoveries, bringing the total of recovered patients to 310,642. The country's death toll is now at 6,690 with 17 new deaths reported.

October 20, 2020

The cities of Pasay and Taguig announce that they have formally issued measures cutting curfew hours to 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.

October 19, 2020

Christmas parties will not be allowed this year as the Philippines continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

"Bawal po ang Christmas party, 'di po papayagan ang Christmas party hanggang ganito ang ating sitwasyon," Interior Secretary Eduardo Año says during a meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte.

October 19, 2020

The Zamboanga City government is considering reverting its Sunday lockdown here and increasing the number of curfew hours as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to surge.

The Department of Health-9 (DOH) reported the city remained as the COVID-19 epicenter in the Zamboanga peninsula region, as its active cases are nearing the 1,000 mark among the cities and provinces.

The DOH-9 reported Zamboanga City has already recorded a total of 2,430 cases of which 916 are active cases, with 1,408 recoveries and 104 total number of deaths as of October 18 data from the Regional Surveillance Unit. — The STAR/Roel Pareño

October 18, 2020

Ilocos Sur will be open to Luzon residents starting November 15 following the growing interest from tourists from the National Capital Region.

The Department of Tourism welcomed the announcement Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Singson to open the province to tourists, as this would also give back jobs to the tourism workforce.

Among the famous tourist destinations in the province are the Vigan Heritage Village and Calle Crisologo, Plaza Salcedo Dancing Fountain, Bantay Bell Tower, Santa Maria Church and Plaza Burgos.

October 18, 2020

The Department of Health reports 2,379  new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of cases in the Philippines to 356,618

As of this writing, there are 39,808 active COVID-19 cases in the country. The health department also announces 50 new deaths and 14,941 new recoveries.

October 18, 2020

Majority of Filipinos considered the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic as adequate, according to a Social Weather Stations survey released Saturday night.

The poll found that majority of Filipinos consider government efforts to be "adequate" in the following areas of concern: ensuring the public has enough information on how to fight COVID-19 (71%), ensuring there will be extensive contact tracing (67%), and ensuring there is affordable COVID-19 testing nationwide (54%).

Meanwhile, only 44% said the government was adequate on ensuring the provision of adequate help for people who lost their job/livelihood.

October 17, 2020

Opposition Sen. Leila de Lima encourages to push for measures upholding the rights of persons deprived of liberty under humanitarian and compelling circumstances.

"Sa bawat sandali na pinatatagal natin ang pagpapatupad ng mga polisiyang maaaring magsalba sa bawat isa mula sa sakit at peligro, binalewala na rin natin ang halaga ng buhay at dignidad ng kapwa—gaya ng pagkakait ng pagkakataon para sa isang ina na makapiling pa ang nag-aagaw-buhay na anak, o ng nakatatanda nang bilanggo na makasama ang pamilya sa huling sandali ng kanyang buhay bilang malaya," says De Lima in a dispatch.

"Oo, may gobyerno tayong marahas, mapaniil at walang pakundangan sa ating mga karapatan. Pero papayag na rin ba tayo na mauwi sa ganitong klaseng lipunan ang ating ginagalawan?" she adds.

October 17, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte has certified as urgent Senate Bill No. 1849, entitled “An Act Ensuring Philippine Financial Industry Resiliency Against the COVID-19 Pandemic” and House Bill No. 6174, entitled “An Act to Further Strengthen the Anti-Money Laundering Law, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 9160, Otherwise Known as the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as Amended, and for Other Purposes.” 

October 14, 2020

Russia is eyeing to establish a pharmaceutical establishment in the Philippines to produce COVID-19 vaccine, President Rodrigo Duterte says in a recorded address to the nation Wednesday night.

"I just had a talk with the ambassador of Russia, and they said Russia is coming in, and they want to establish here... gagawa sila ng planta, pharmaceutical," Duterte says.

The president adds that it is only China or Russia for him on COVID-19 vaccine.

October 13, 2020

About 71% of Filipino families received help from the Philippine government since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, according to a Social Weather Stations survey.

The poll released Tuesday night shows that 67% of families that got money-help received it once while 33% at least twice.

The latest poll was conducted from September 17 to 20 using mobile phone and computer-assisted telephone interviewing of 1,249 adult Filipinos nationwide.

October 13, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte and the Cabinet approve one-meter apart seat rule on public transportation. They also allow people aged 15 to 65 to leave homes if necessary. — The STAR/Christina Mendez

October 12, 2020

The Department of Health reports 3,564 additional COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, pushing the national tally to 342,816.

The DOH also logs 150 newly-reported recoveries, bringing the total of recovered patients to 293,152. With 11 new deaths, the country's death toll is now at 6,332.

Total active cases (net of deaths and recoveries) in the country now stands at 43,332.

October 11, 2020

Although adding another “mass recovery” of 17,057 patients, the total coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases hit 339,341 Sunday, the Department of Health said, after the latter recorded 2,502 more infections in the country. 

Recording an additional 83 deaths, health officials also saw the coronavirus death toll hit 6,321 in their latest case bulletin Sunday afternoon. — Philstar.com/Franco Luna

October 11, 2020

The Supreme Court announces that all videoconferencing hearings conducted by first and second court levels will be open to the public.

Those who want to attend a virtual hearing may email the concerned court at least three days before the scheduled hearing with the following information:

  • Full name
  • Email address
  • Contact number
  • Scanned copy of government-issued ID bearing his/her photograph and signature

October 7, 2020

The Department of Health reports 2,825 additional cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, pushing the national tally to 329,537.

The DOH also records 437 new recoveries, bringing the total of recovered patients to 273,723. The country's death toll is now at 5,925 with 60 new deaths reported.

Total active cases in the Philippines is now at 49,989.

October 5, 2020

The Department of Health on Monday reports 2,291 additional cases of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, bringing the national caseload to 324,761.

The DOH also confirms 87 new recoveries and 64 newly-reported deaths, pushing the total of reported recoveries to 272,123 and the death toll to 5,840.

With these figures, the total of active cases (net of deaths and recoveries) in the country is now at 45,799.

October 2, 2020

The focus should be on active cases and not on the total of COVID-19 cases in the country, the Department of Health said after the Philippines entered the list of top 20 countries with the most cases in the world.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire says the Philippines has improved its health system capacity.

"Kapag tinignan ang datos, ilan lang ba ang active cases, ilan ang nag-recover? Our revovery rate is 80%. Stable ang case fatality rate natin," Vergeire says in a virtual media forum.

September 30, 2020

The Department of Tourism announces that Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat has been advised to go on self-quarantine for 10 days because she had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

She was scheduled to visit Boracay for its reopening to tourists under general community quarantine areas on October 1. — Philstar.com/Rosette Adel

September 26, 2020

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board says it has allowed the reopening of 12 bus routes in Regions 3 and 4A starting Sept. 30, 2020.

The following modified provincial bus routes will be allowed under Memorandum Circular 2020-051:

  • San Fernando, Pampanga - Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
  • Batangas City, Batangas - Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITx)
  • Lemery, Batangas (PITx)
  • Lipa City, Batangas (PITx)
  • Nasugbu, Batangas (PITx) 
  • Indang, Cavite (PITx)
  • Mendez, Cavite (PITx) 
  • Tagaytay City, Cavite (PITx)
  • Ternate, Cavite (PITx) 
  • Calamba City, Laguna (PITx) 
  • Siniloan, Laguna (PITx) 
  • Sta. Cruz, Laguna (PITx) 

September 21, 2020

The Department of Health confirms 3,475 newly-reported COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, pushing the national tally to 290,190.

The country's death toll now stands at 4,999 with 15 additional fatalities. The DOH also records 400 new recoveries, bringing the total of recovered patients to 230,233.

Total active cases (net of COVID-19 deaths and recoveries) in the Philippines is now at 54,958.

September 21, 2020

Nurses and other health professionals with complete documents as of August 31 will be allowed to leave to work in other countries, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque says.

According to Roque, about 1,500 health workers will benefit from the expanded deployment ban exemption. — Report from The STAR/Alexis Romero

September 20, 2020

Timezone Philippines says its operations are on pause because of the pandemic but that "it is not closing down anytime soon."

It adds that "through the years, we have acquired a lot of game machines for you to enjoy and for several years now, we have been selling machines to allow our dear guests to enjoy these games in the comfort of their own homes, as well as to declutter a little and give space to new and exciting games that we offer."

Timezone FUN is still on PAUSE as mandated by the government due to the pandemic that we are all facing. All our venues...

Posted by Timezone Philippines on Friday, 18 September 2020

September 19, 2020

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announces that President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to maintain the one-meter rule on physical distancing in public transportation. — The STAR/Christina Mendez

September 18, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte signs Proclamation 1021 extending the period of state of calamity throughout the Philippines due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The proclamation is effective from Sept. 13, 2020 to Sept. 12,2021. — The STAR/Christina Mendez 

September 18, 2020

All private and public cemeteries, memorial parks and columbarium will be closed from October 29 to November 4, as decided upon by the inter-agency task force on COVID-19.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque also announces that the IATF has approved maximum of 30% of venue capacity in cemeteries, memorial parks and columbarium from September 17 to November 15.

September 17, 2020

The one-meter rule in public transportation will remain until President Rodrigo Duterte decides on the matter, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque says.

Roque, also spokesperson of the inter-agency task force on COVID-19, said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade manifested this in their meeting.

September 15, 2020

About 57% of Filipinos fear "the worst of the COVID-19 crisis is yet to come", according to a Social Weather Stations survey released Tuesday.

The same poll shows that 35% of Filipinos said "the worst is behind us."

The probability-based survey survey was conducted from July 2 to 6 using mobile phone and computer-assisted telephone interviewing among a nationally-representative sample of 1,555 working-age Filipinos nationwide.

September 14, 2020

Former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle may have picked up COVID-19 at the airport or in the airplane, according to CBCP acting president Pablo Virgilio David.

Tagle tested negative for the coronavirus in Rome last September 7 and was allowed to make the trip home. He tested positive on September 11 upon arriving in Manila.

"Cardinal Chito came home also to visit his elderly parents in Imus, Cavite. Now he is prevented from doing so because he has to stay in isolation in the next 14 days. Fortunately, he is asymptomatic," David says.

September 14, 2020

The Department of Health urges the public to use transport options that can afford at least 1-meter distancing, as the Department of Transportation eases restrictions in public transport.

The DOH enjoins all Filipinos to be extra vigilant in situations where distancing cannot be practiced.

"Further, we ask all Filipinos to continue to practice all elements of BIDA—wearing of masks and face shields, handwashing and physical distancing. Based on evidence, the level of protection increases when the practices are combined," the DOH says.

September 9, 2020

The Department of Labor and Employment says it has released some P6.3 million in livelihood assistance to various workers’ groups in Mimaropa.

The beneficiaries are fishers association, coconut farmers, tricycle drivers, motorcycle shop workers, women’s group, and displaced workers from the provinces of Mindoro and Romblon, the regional office adds.

September 7, 2020

The Department of Health reports 1,383 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, raising the national tally to 238,727.

The DOH also confirms 230 additional recoveries, pushing the total of recovered patients to 184,906. The country's death toll is now at 3,890 with 15 new reported deaths.

With these, total active cases in the Philippines (net of COVID-19 deaths and recoveries) now stands at 49, 931.

September 7, 2020

The Philippine National Police's plan to monitor social media for quarantine violators should recognize people's data privacy rights, the National Privacy Commission says.

"In keeping communities safe in this pandemic, leads and evidence gathered from social media and other digital tools to enforce the law must be legally obtained," NPC Commissioner Raymund Liboro says, adding police must "use techniques that are not privacy intrusive."

"It is essential for the police to allay the fears of the community by explaining the measures they employ in enforcing quarantine rules and evaluating possible violators, how they observe the rights of the citizens, and how they mitigate the risks to individuals’ privacy."

September 7, 2020

Training of student athletes will be allowed in areas under general community quarantine and modified GCQ, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque says.

Roque, also spokesperson on the inter-agency task force on COVID-19, says the IATF has approved it.

The trainings will be subject to guidelines that will be released by the Commission on Higher Education.

September 7, 2020

The Philippine government is going in the right direction in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic as all indicators are going down in Metro Manila, the epicenter of the nation's outbreak, professor David Guido of the UP OCTA Researcg group says.

While the curve is "flattening" in the capital region, Guido notes that there are still areas in the Philippines that need to be concerned about, such as Iloilo and Tacloban, that may be emerging hotspots.

"The government is on the right track and people are doing their part. But the fight is not yet over. This is not the time to relax; this is the time to soldier on," Guido tells ANC's "Headstart" Monday morning.

September 1, 2020

The Department of Health reports 3,483 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, pushing the national caseload to 224,264.

The DOH also confirms 464 additional recoveries, bringing the total of recovered patients to 158,012. The national death toll is now at 3,597 with 39 new fatalities recorded.

Total active cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines now stands at 62,655.

August 31, 2020

The Department of Health reports 3,446 additional cases of COVID-19 infections in the Philippines, bringing the national tally to 220,819.

165 more people recovered while 38 more patients succumbed to COVID-19. 

August 27, 2020

The UP College of Mass Communication calls off its UP Gawad Plaridel award program due to restrictions in the nomination and selection process brought about by the quarantine periods.

"Moreover, the organizers deemed it inappropriate to hold such an event amidst the suffering and struggles of the majority of Filipinos, especially whose future has become uncertain," UP CMC says in a statement.

The UP Gawad Plaridel is an annual lifetime achievement award for outstanding media practitioners in the categories of journalism, film, broadcast and transmedia. Previous awardees include Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Tina Monzon-Palma, Jessica Soho, Pachico Seares, Kidlat Tahimik, Pete Lacaba and Boni Ilagan.

Posted by UP College of Mass Communication on Wednesday, 26 August 2020

August 26, 2020

The Department of Information and Communications Technology says it is set to provide technical assistance to the Philippine Humanitarian Assistance Registry (PHAR) website to ensure the system’s availability and cybersecurity.

The website provides a database containing information on humanitarian assistance received by the Philippines.

“The show of goodwill by private and government agencies—local and international—to help the Philippines combat the adverse effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been overwhelming. And the DFA has responded to this in the most commendable manner through the PHAR by ensuring availability and access to information on all local and foreign humanitarian assistance to the Philippine Government, including in-kind and financial donations and deployment of humanitarian workers,” says DICT Assistant Secretary for Digital Philippines Emmanuel Rey Caintic.

August 25, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte tells Vice President Leni Robredo not to "add fuel to the fire" following the latter's public address on government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"You will just destroy the government. Huwag niyong sirain ang gobyerno kasi massira ang tao," Duterte says in a recorded video aired Tuesday morning.

"Maski na sabihin n'yo na mamatay ako bukas, it cannot solve the problem of the country," the president adds.

August 24, 2020

The Department of Health reports 4,686 additional COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, pushing the national tally to 194,252.

The DOH also records 729 new recoveries, bringing the total number of survivors to 132,042. The country's death toll now stands at 3,010 with 13 new reported deaths.

The Philippines now has 59,200 active cases (net of COVID-19 deaths and recoveries).

August 22, 2020

Opposition Sen. Leila de Lima slams the government for imposing the use of motorcycle barrier for back-riding couples, which was no longer required.

"Married and live-in couples share intimate moments in the privacy of their homes. The idea of 'separating' them momentarily as a supposedly health protocol, via the motorcycle barrier when they travel, defies basic common sense. It’s as stupid as it can get," says De Lima.

"Please naman: no more brainless, half-churned, and experimental solutions for the health crisis. Isipin natin ang kapakanan ng mga maaapektuhan ng polisiya, at huwag pairalin ang mentalidad na siga-siga," she adds.

 

August 19, 2020

The Department of Health reports 4,650 additional cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, raising the national caseload to 173,774.

The additional 716 recoveries brings the total number of recoveries to 113,481. Meanwhile, the national death toll is now at 2,795 with 111 new reported deaths.

The Philippines' total active cases is now at 57,498 as Metro Manila and nearby provinces go back to a less stringent general community quarantine.

August 18, 2020

The National Task Force on COVID-19 will allow people living in the same house to ride pillion on a motorcycle even without a motorcycle barrier in areas under general community quarantine.

Pillion riding for people not living together will still require the "Angkas-designed" barrier, a requirement that engineers and motorcycle designers have warned against.

According to the transitional protocol that takes effect from Wednesday, August 19, the backrider must be an Authorized Person Outside of Residence.

The driver need not be an APOR.

Riders must be wearing face masks and full-face helmets.

Restrictions in areas under MGCQ will depent on local chief executives.

August 17, 2020

The Philippine National Police will enforce stricter measures such as the setting up of "quarantine control points" even as Metro Manila and other provinces revert to the less rigid general community quarantine.

In a statement, the PNP says it will observe "official administrative issuances of higher authorities" on matters involving force protection and COVID-19 resiliency of police units, even as they administratively reported to local executives.

The quarantine control points, akin to checkpoints, are to "ensure only authorized individuals on essential travel are allowed outside their homes and to enforce restrictions on certain modes of public conveyance," the PNP notes in the statement.

August 15, 2020

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announces that most parts of the Philippines will remain under general community quarantine and modified general community quarantine until Aug. 31, 2020. 

Areas such as Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, which are still under modified enhanced community quarantine until Aug. 18, 2020, are not included. 

August 2, 2020

Motorcycle riders on Sunday hold a protest at the Commission on Human Rights grounds on Sunday against motorcycle barriers that they as well as engineers have said are unsafe.

ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo reports that the group, Kagulong, says the barriers are also expensive aside from being unsafe.

August 1, 2020

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque says that President Rodrigo Duterte has directed the IATF-EID to act on the concerns of the healthcare workers immediately.

"The Palace considers our skilled, tireless and dedicated healthcare workers as important frontliners in the battle against COVID-19." says Roque. — The STAR/Christina Mendez

August 1, 2020

The Department of Health says they support the call of medical frontliners "to ensure appropriate implementation of community quarantines to ensure the protection of our health workers." 

"But while the government is taking the necessary actions to address the situation, we emphasize that it is also the duty of every citizen to ensure that our health system is not overwhelmed. With this, we continue to call on everyone to BIDA Solusyon," the department says.

"We welcome this opportunity to continuously work with the medical societies and our healthcare workers on a united and strategic course of action to win the battle versus this pandemic," it adds.

July 31, 2020

Filipinos appear to have different opinions on going to work and attending religious services in case the community quarantine ends next month according to a Social Weather Stations survey.

The poll released Friday found that 55% feel comfortable and 40% feel uncomfortable about going to work after lockdown.

The same survey showed that 45% of Filipino adults feel comfortable while 54% feel uncomfortable about going to church or mosque if the community quarantine is lifted.

July 31, 2020

Metro Manila will remain under general community quarantine starting August 1, President Rodrigo Duterte announces.

Other areas to remain under GCQ are Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City and Zamboanga City.

The rest of the Philippines will be under modified general community quarantine.

July 29, 2020

The inter-agency task force on COVID-19 also approves the reopening of business activities under Category IV in areas under modified general community quarantine.

These include:

  • full body massage
  • tattoo and body piercing
  • live events
  • entertainment industries
  • libraries, archives, museums and cultural centers
  • tourist destinations
  • language, driving, dance/acting/voice schools
     

July 29, 2020

More businesses, including gyms, internet shops, tutorial centers and drive-in cinemas, will gradually reopen in areas under general community quarantine by August, according to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Lopez said in an interview with radio dzMM that they have recommended the gradual reopening of businesses up to 30% of capacity as long as they follow health protocols.

"Desisyon na po ito pero effective August 1 pa," Lopez told dzMM.

July 24, 2020

Large majorities of Filipinos continue to follow recommended safety protocols against the coronavirus pandemic, according to the latest Social Weather Stations survey.

The poll released Friday found that 76% adult Filipinos always use a face mask when going outside, 65% always wash their hands several times a day and 55# always keep physical distance when going outside.

SWS conducted the mobile phone survey from July 3 to 6, shortly after the community quarantine was relaxed in most areas of the country.

July 22, 2020

The Department of Information and Communications Technology says citizens can now access relevant COVID-19 news and issuances at the newly-launched Unified COVID-19 website.

The website aims to gather all news about the pandemic in one platform for the general public.

“The stream of information about the COVID-19 threat—the number of new cases, new advice, new issuances, and new rules can be challenging to keep up with, so the Unified COVID-19 website aims to remedy this fragmentation of data to contribute to a holistic understanding of the situation,” says DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II.

“By providing real-time data in both the national and local scale, we aim to help frontliners get access to their most pressing information needs in support of President Duterte’s directives for efficient COVID-19 response,” he adds.

July 21, 2020

Government Service Insurance System announces that it has extended the filing of application for its COVID-19 Emergency Loan program for another month or until Aug. 12, 2020.

“We are extending the July 12 deadline to give more time for our members and old-age and disability pensioners affected by the public health crisis to apply for the loan. We are expecting to reach out to more than 1.3 million members who are qualified for the loan with a projected total amount of P43 billion,” says GSIS President and General  Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet.

July 20, 2020

The Department of Health on Monday reports 1,521 additional COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 68,898. Of the positive cases, 43,991 are active cases.

Among the active cases, 90.6% are mild, 8.5% are asymptomatic, 0.4% are severe and 0.5% are critical.

The health department also reports 607 new recoveries, raising the total of recovered patients to 23,072 while the four new confirmed deaths pushed the national death toll to 1,835.

July 20, 2020

Vice President Leni Robredo has sent a list of recommendations to the inter-agency task force on COVID-19 on the government's response to the pandemic, which has so far infected more than 67,000 individuals in the Philippines.

In a letter addressed to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, the vice president listed observations, questions and recommendations on matters of public health data, status of programs, reporting and keeping the public informed, budget utilization, transportation concerns restarting the economy, education and composition of the IATF.

"Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have stood firm on the belief that our country can only get through this crisis if all sectors of society pull together towards a shared goal: Surviving, adapting to the changes it may bring, and building a better normal for all," Robredo said in her letter dated June 30.

Robredo made the recommendations after meetings with several groups, such as data analysts, professional educators, economists, advocates, health experts and experts on the national budget.

July 17, 2020

Opposition Sen. Leila de Lima slams the government's "Oplan Kalinga" program, by local health officials will lead house-to-house search for mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases and later transfer them to isolation facilities. 

"Duterte’s obsession with handling every problem as a peace and order issue has led us into this precarious situation. We have a public health crisis that is being treated like a police or a military operation," says De Lima. 

"Hindi naman krimen ang magka- COVID ah. Sakit ito na dapat inagapan na nung una pa lang ng pagsara ng ating mga paliparan, paggawa ng mass testing at contact tracing kasabay ng maayos at sinserong datos," she adds.

July 17, 2020

The Philippines is opening up to returning foreign nationals who are holders of longer-term visas by August, according to the Inter-Agency Task Force for Infectious Diseases' latest guidelines.

This reopening, however, remains limited even for select visitors, particularly immigrants and legal residents. (More details are in our developing story here.)

July 14, 2020

Opposition Sen. Leila de Lima encourages the Senate to look into the reported cases of regular employees in Business Process Outsourcing companies who are being placed on floating status.

“Despite being regular employees, workers are left with no choice but to accept the status quo rather than face permanent retrenchment should they seek other employment opportunities elsewhere,” she says.

“More equitable labor arrangements should be institutionalized in order to balance the equation and provide protection to not just capital investments but, more importantly, the labor power supplied by workers themselves which serve as the key foundation of our economy,” De Lima adds.

July 13, 2020

The Department of Health reports 836  additional coronavirus cases in the Philippines, pushing the total to 57,006. Of the total cases, 35,036 are active (net of deaths and recoveries).

The DOH also confirms 4,255 recoveries, bringing the total number of recovered patients to 20,371.

The country's death toll is now at 1,599 with 65 new deaths recorded.

July 13, 2020

COVID-19 cases in Zamboanga City continue to spike as 11 additional cases were reported Sunday night, bringing the number of active cases to 116.

According to the local inter-agency task force, five of the new virus-infected individuals are health workers, three are locally stranded individuals, two are from the community and one is a returning overseas Filipino.

City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite attributes the spike of the number to the testing capabilities of the city which runs at least two testing laboratories. — The STAR/Roel Pareño

July 13, 2020

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who has been designated as "tracing czar", emphasizes the need for skills for contact tracers and contact tracing e-system.

The contact racing e-system will have data collection tools, geographic information system and link analysis.

"We will radically change our contact tracing system," Magalong says in Filipino at the Laging Handa virtual briefing.

July 13, 2020

The Department of Health announces 2,124 new cases of the coronavirus disease. This brings the total number of COVID-19 infections in the Philippines to 55,259.

The health department also reports 2,009 new recoveries and 162 deaths as of July 12. 

July 7, 2020

The Department of Information and Communications Technology lauches wfh.gov.ph to provide telecommuting resources for government employees

“The launch of wfh.gov.ph serves to support the President’s agenda of unhampered and efficient service to the people,” says DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II. 

“We encourage our government employees to visit the website and find the right resources to help guide them transition into a remote working lifestyle,” he adds.

July 6, 2020

The Department of Health on Monday reports 2,099 new COVID-19 cases (841 "late" cases and 1,258 "fresh" cases) in the Philippines, bringing the national total to 46,333.

The health department also confirms 243 new recoveries, pushing the total number of recovered patients in the country to 12,185.

The six additional deaths also raises the death toll to 1,303.

July 3, 2020

The local government of Valenzuela announces that daycare students received Nutri-Packs as the general community quarantine has been extended. 

“Public daycare students will get their 2nd Nutri-Pack from the city government... We want to make sure they have enough nutritional intake during these quarantine times,” Mayor Rex Gatchalian says.

July 1, 2020

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon agrees with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III that quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila and other economic centers need to be relaxed soon.

"I support Secretary Dominguez’s call to ease restrictions in the National Capital Region and Calabarzon and put them under the  modified general community quarantine," Drilon says in an e-mailed statement.

 "I’m afraid that any further delay in the easing of quarantine restrictions in these two economic centers will cause further damage to our economy and our people who have lost their livelihood."

July 1, 2020

Health Secretary Francisco Duque says Metro Manila, Benguet, Cavite, Rizal, Lapu-Lapu Mandaue, Leyte, Ormoc,.Southern Leyte, Talisay City to be placed under general community quarantine.

June 29, 2020

La Trinidad town hall in Benguet province on Monday resumes its operations after a week on lockdown for an intensive contact tracing and disinfection after four front liners tested positive of COVID-19.

La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda imposed the lockdown at the municipal hall and other areas around the municipality on June 18.

Three police officers of the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station and a municipal health worker assigned at the operation center at the municipal hall also tested positive during the conduct of the expanded mass testing for frontline workers in the Cordillera.

All 277 LGU employees were all swabbed and tested negative while disinfection activities were done in the different offices and facilities in La Trinidad, Salda said, as this will become their “new normal”. — The STAR/Artemio Dumlao

June 27, 2020

Government Service Insurance System says the state pension fund has extended its COVID-19 loan moratorium program for members, pensioners and other borrowers by another month or until June 2020.

“The extension will provide relief to many government employees and pensioners whose families are having financial difficulties because of the COVID-19 crisis. We earlier implemented a three-month moratorium from March to May 2020," GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet says.

"However, with the continuing crisis and quarantine measures, we made it a four-month moratorium to tide over our members and pensioners,” he adds.

June 25, 2020

Sen. Nancy Binay asks the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board anew to act on the plight of traditional jeepney drivers who are coping with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Ano na ba talaga ang plano ng DOTr at LTFRB? Parang pinapahaba lang nila ang kalbaryo ng mga kababayan nating namamasada... Kung makakabalik, 'wag nang maraming dahilan. Kung 'di na makakabalik, 'wag nang paasahin at linawin sa mga operator at driver kung ano ang plano at gagawin ng gobyerno sa 250,000 na tsuper at operators," the senator says.

"Masakit tanggapin na tila hinayaan na lamang ng gobyerno na unti-unting maupos ang kabuhayan ng ating mga jeepney driver. 'Yung harap-harapang ipapamukha sa kanila na 'di sila kasama sa hierarchy ng essential sectors--walang ayuda, walang plano, walang suporta," Binay adds.

June 23, 2020

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque says the public can now dine in restaurants until 9 p.m.

Roque reminds that food establishments and customers should follow minimum health standards such as physical distancing and the wearing of face masks.

June 21, 2020

The Department of Health reports 653 new COVID-19 cases — 415 "fresh", 238 "late" —  on Sunday, June 21. It also tallies 19 new deaths and 243 new recoveries.

The number of total cases is now at 30,052.

June 19, 2020

Sen. Nancy Binay asks government transport officials if they have "tried and tested" the transport guidelines put in place under general community quarantine.

"This is not the time to stretch experiments. Improving mobility and maximizing space are important, but spending on costly experiments that we know are bound to fail is totally unnecessary lalo pa ngayong kapos sa pondo," the senator says.

"Sana try din nilang testingin yung kanilang science projects sa EDSA--para kasing virtual experiment ang ginagawa sa mga mananakay. Wag na po nating ipilit yung mga hilaw at minadaling plano sa EDSA which placed public safety as a secondary concern. Di po EDSA ang classroom sa online learning," she adds.

June 19, 2020

Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV dares Malacanang to appoint Vice President Leni Robredo as chair of the inter-agency task force on COVID-19.

In response to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's remarks against Robredo, Trillanes says the former seems to be blind on the accomplishments of the vice president in helping Filipinos during the pandemic. Roque earlier said Robredo should present solutions rather than criticizing the government's response to the virus.

"Kung si Vice President Leni ang mamumuno at magpapatakbo ng IATF, mas marami itong magagawa at siguradong mas maganda ang kampanya natin laban sa COVID-19," Trillanes says.
 

June 19, 2020

Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire on Friday clarifies that the entire province of Cebu, except Cebu City and Talisay City, is still under general community quarantine.

Vergeire stresses that the DOH did NOT report that the entire province is under enhanced community quarantine nor have they discussed the levels of community quarantine in different areas of the country.

"Please be informed that the Province of Cebu, except for Cebu City (under ECQ) and Talisay (modified ECQ), is still under GCQ. It is only the IATF which has the authority to change and announce this kind of policies," Vergeire says.

June 18, 2020

All employees of the Manila Regional Trial Court are advised to go under quarantine and contact tracing after two staff members had contact to close relatives who tested positive for the coronavirus disease.

June 16, 2020

The Office of Consular Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs announces that passport applicants can now have their passports delivered using the Passport Online Appointment System.

"Applicants who fill up their online application may choose to avail of the courier service as well, and pay for the passport processing fee and the courier fee in one transaction. Applicants may choose whether to pay over-the-counter or through debit card or credit cards," the agency says.

The DFA strongly recommends availing the courier service to avoid health risks though applicants still have the option to pick up their passport at the Consular Office. It also advises those who wish to apply for or renew their passports to secure an appointment by visiting http://passport.gov.ph. 

June 10, 2020

The Department of Information and Communications Technology announces that they are set to expedite its free wi-fi for all program to address the connectivity issues of public schools under the new normal.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed his support for the Department of Education (DepED)’s push for blended and distance learning so that education will continue in the midst of the COVID-19 health emergency,” DICT Secretary Gregorio Honasan II says.  

“A key factor for this is fast, reliable and secure Internet—we are focusing on speeding up infrastructure buildup to address the expected surge in demand for connectivity in the education sector,” he adds.

June 5, 2020

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority calls for smooth coordination in the establishment of bicycle lanes in Metro Manila. 

"The MMDA welcomes the establishment of pop-up bike lanes and elevated bike lanes in Metro Manila. The agency is not against such initiatives," the MMDA says.

"However, biking enthusiasts have to remember that there are precautions for the safety of all road users. Close coordination with the MMDA and local government units is important," it adds.

June 4, 2020

The Chinese Embassy donates 5,000 "Friendship Bags" to the City of Manila for families affected by the 2019 pandemic.

The bags contain "essential living supplies such as rice and canned sardines to distribute to those in need so as to help them get through the difficulties," the embassy says.

"Since the outbreak of the pandemic, China and the Philippines have helped and supported each other to build a closer partnership through anti-pandemic
cooperation. The Chinese Embassy will work together with the Philippine people to strive for an early victory over the pandemic," it also says.

June 3, 2020

BRP Dagupan City (LS551) transports PPEs to provinces in the Visayas and in Mindanao 

"LS551 will conduct sealift mission of military personnel, civilian passengers, assorted cargoes and deliver thousand sets of personal protective equipment, assorted medical supplies and relief goods," the Philippine Navy says.

June 3, 2020

The Embassy of Israel in Manila says the state of Israel donates medical equipment to first responders of the Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines.

Israeli Ambassador Rafael Harpaz personally turned over the donation to Secretary of National Defense Maj. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana in a ceremony at the Villamor Airbase on Tuesday.

“The State of Israel presents its deepest gratitude to the first responders of the Department of National Defense for their service to the Filipino people amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Harpaz.

June 2, 2020

Sen. Nancy Binay challenges government transport officials to commute to work and "experience for themselves" the supposed road transport guidelines they have enforced under general community quarantine.

"Napaka-unfair sa commuters na yung mga private vehicles walang restrictions bumyahe. Napaka-limitado ng choices nila. DOTr knew that Metro Manila and the rest of the regions will soon be transitioning to the new normal. They knew that 30% of those in NCR will start going to work by June 1--tapos ang idi-deploy eh truck ng libreng sakay which compromise and breach all health protocols particularly physical distancing," she says.

June 1, 2020

Baguio City records two new COVID-19 cases as it transitioned into modified general community quarantine Monday, bringing the total number of active cases in the city to four.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong says one of the patients is a 28-year old female from City Camp Central who had history of travel to San Fernando, La Union last May 26. She is asymptomatic but has suspicious pneumonia based on her chest x-ray examination.

The other patient is a 25-year old male from Sitio Apugan, Barangay Poliwes, along Kennon Road, who is asymptomatic and has no history of travel or exposure to the coronavirus disease. He is a "person deprived of liberty" brought to the Baguio City Jail male dormitory on May 29. — The STAR/Artemio Dumlao

May 30, 2020

The Department of Justice says religious gatherings will be allowed up to 50% of the capacity of the church or venue in areas under modified general community quarantine starting June 1.

"As to those in GCQ areas like the NCR, the IATF will host a dialogue between the religious sector and representatives of the LGUs on Monday morning. then the IATF will make a final resolution on the same day," says Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

May 28, 2020

Education Secretary Leonor Briones says there is no conflict on the position of the Department of Education with that of President Rodrigo Duterte on the opening of classes in August.

Briones clarifies that Duterte was referring to face-to-face classes. The DepEd chief says the agency was one with the president on the safety of children.

"There will be no face to face classes until safe. We can still provide learning opportunities to our students without requiring them to come to school," Briones says. — with report from The STAR/Janvic Mateo

May 28, 2020

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases recommends that Metro Manila be placed under general community quarantine from June 1 to 15.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año confirms that the IATF recommended that the region transition from a strict modified enhanced community quarantine to a more relaxed GCQ as Metro Manila is now seen as a "high-to-moderate-risk area."

"For Metro Manila, ang rekomendasyon ay maging under general community quarantine, except for high-risk barangays," Año says in an interview with CNN Philippines' "The Source" Thursday morning.

May 28, 2020

Metro Manila and Davao will be placed under general community quarantine starting June 1, special adviser to coronavirus task force Tony Leachon says.

In an interview with radio dzBB, Leachon also confirms that Cebu City will remain under modified enhanced community quarantine as it is considered the second epicenter of COVID-19 in the country.

President Rodrigo Duterte will address the nation Thursday night to discuss quarantine measures after May 31.

May 25, 2020

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon is hoping for a "science-based decision" as Metro Manila and other parts of the country under a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine prepare to shift to the General Community Quarantine.

"The number of cases may not be doubling but it is still increasing. It just breached 14,000 yesterday and another 6,000 who tested positive remain to be validated. They may be silent carriers who unknowingly spread the virus. Where are they?" he says. 

Confirmed cases have been expected to increase as the Philippines builds up its testing capacity. 

May 24, 2020

Youth group Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan is calling on parents and students to "dismiss" the resumption of classes by August and September as ordered by the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education, saying not enough people have been tested.

The group points out that the French Education Ministry reported 70 cases of COVID-19 cases among schoolchildren just one week after the gradual reopening of schools. 
Two students in South Korea have also been infected with COVID-19 despite strict safety protocols implemented there, the group says.
  
"Blended learning does not guarantee the health and safety of everyone in the school even if the agencies require only 50% of the class to attend in-person classes at any given time, especially when mass testing has not been fully done yet," says SPARK spokesperson John Lazaro.

May 18, 2020

La Trinidad, the capital of Benguet, bore the brunt of COVID-19's impact on tourism and tourism-related businesses in the province.

La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, citing a report submitted by the Local Economic and Investments Promotion Office and the town’s tourism office, estimates their losses will reach at least P100 million.

Souvenir and pasalubong shops and other stores in the town lost a total of between P5 million and P6 million from March to mid-May.

The Strawberry Festival supposedly on the first week of March and the Tourism Week after including other events, which were all cancelled, led to some P5 million in losses.

— The STAR/Artemio Dumlao

 

May 18, 2020

Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla orders the temporary closure of malls in the province due to the lack of physical distancing measures.

Cavite, which has 275 cases of COVID-19, has been under general community quarantine since Saturday.

"Outside the mall before opening; inside the mall during operations; we did not see any enforced measures on social distancing," Remulla says in a Facebook post Monday.

May 14, 2020

Based on the recommendations of the Commission on Higher Education, higher education institutions may open classes anytime as long as they operate online.

Institutions using flexible can open anytime in August while those using face-to-face or in-person mode can open not earlier than September 1 in areas under general community quarantine.

May 14, 2020

The entire Philippines — except Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu City — will be under general community quarantine starting May 16.

All provinces, highly urbanized cities and independent component cities previously identified as low-risk under IATF Resolution 35 will be under GCQ.

May 9, 2020

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases says it has approved construction projects in general community quarantine areas such as facilities for quarantine and priority construction projects.

May 7, 2020

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases says they want to limit the number of open entrances in mall.

They also recommend standing on every other step of escalator and assigning of personnel in high-density areas. 

May 5, 2020

The Ilocos Norte provincial government rolls out a livelihood and emergency employment program for displaced daily wage workers amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Under the "NariMAT nga Aglawlaw" cash-for-work program, at least 1,332 beneficiaries were hired to work under barangay-based social community projects such as eco-tourism; repair and improvement of common public facilities; debris clearing; declogging of canals; debris segregation and materials recovery, stockpiling; rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads, bridges, post-harvest facilities, and public markets; and tree planting and seedling preparation.

Beneficiaries will also receive a salary worth P1,275 for five days and a calamansi seedling for each individual. — The STAR/Artemio Dumlao

May 5, 2020

Education Secretary Leonor Briones announces that the opening of school year 2020-2021 will be on August 24.

At the Laging Handa virtual briefing, the education chief says the initial schedule for next school year is from Aug. 24, 2020 to Apr. 30, 2021.

Briones also says some private schools have expressed readiness to start classes using distance learning or other online options.

May 4, 2020

The provincial government of Basilan had procured 10,000 more bags of rice for constituents displaced by its coronavirus containment effort.

Besides rice, the office of Gov. Jim Salliman also purchased 1,000 more cases of canned sardines to augment the relief supplies it distributed in a series of outreach missions in the province early on.

In a statement Sunday, Salliman’s office said the provincial government will continue to focus on alleviating the condition of constituents displaced by the province-wide COVID-19 health emergency.

“We will do our best to help ease their situation by all allowable means, within the capability of our provincial government,” Salliman said. — The STAR/John Unson
 

May 2, 2020

Sen. Nancy Binay says the Philippines needs an army of COVID-19 trackers as the some parts of the country have transitioned from enhanced community quarantine to general community quarantine. 

"Habang tumatagal, numinipis ang hanay ng ating healthworkers pati na ang ating mga taong inaasahan sa barangay. The first step once ECQ is lifted is to see to it that the LGU is ready and well-equipped when it comes to tracking possible carriers who have been exposed to infected people. It is best that we come prepared and start training an army of contact tracers as we transition from ECQ to GCQ," the senator says. 

May 1, 2020

A 62-year-old man, who died 11 days ago in a hospital in Jolo, is confirmed to be the first positive case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the province of Sulu, according to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Ministry of Health.

The Sulu Task Force COVID says the confirmation came Thursday as the province transitioned Friday from general community quarantine (GCQ) being among the areas with negative case prior to the release of confirmation from Department of Health (DOH).

The patient from Indanan town died on April 19 while confined at the Sulu Sanitarium. The Sulu Task Force COVID reported the patient has no travel history and unknown history of exposure. — The STAR/Roel Pareño 

May 1, 2020

Guidelines on movement between quarantine zones

  • Moving from an area under General Community Quarantine to another GCQ area or from an under Enhanced Community Quarantine to another area under ECQ will be considered movement within the same zone
  • Non-essential entry into and exit from ECQ zones are prohibited except for
  1. health workers
  2. government officials and government frontline personnel those traveling for medical or humanitarian reasons
  3. persons transiting to the airport for travel abroad
    workers in permitted establishments and persons providing essential goods and services and public utilities
  4. essential skeletal workforce
  5. repatriated OFWs and non-OFWs returning to their residences
  6. other persons transported through the efforts of the national government upon conduct of the necessary quarantine protocols and in concurrence with the receiving LGUs
  • "The movement of all types of cargoes by land, air, or sea within and across areas placed under ECQ or GCQ shall be unhampered."
  • Workers in logistics are allowed to transit quarantine areas "provided, that only a maximum of five personnel may operate cargo and delivery vehicles by land, with or without load."
  • Uniformed personnel as well as government officials and employees on official business and with travel authority, "especially those transporting medical supplies and laboratory specimens related to COVID-19, and other relief and humanitarian assistance," are allowed to passh through zones
  • OFWs, permanent residents abroad and foreign nationals may leave the country through airports and seaports even in areas under ECQ or GCQ. They may be accompanied by one person, who shall be allowed to return to their point of origin.
  • "Repatriated OFWs or returning non-OFWs who have been issued a DOH or LGU certificate of completion of 14-day facility-based quarantine, or those who may be required to undergo a mandatory 14-day home quarantine shall be granted unhampered transit across zones en route to their final destination in the Philippines."

May 1, 2020

Religious gatherings and work gatherings in areas under general community quarantine will not be allowed, IATF spokesperson Harry Roque says.

According to Roque, the IATF has revised its guidelines on mass gatherings, which will be the same with areas under enhanced community quarantine.

"Alinsunod po sa mga reklamo na natanggap na nanggagaling po sa mga local official na imposible raw pong ma-implement 'yung social distancing sa religious meetings saka sa mga work gathering, nabago na po ang guidelines. Bumalik po tayo sa rules under ECQ," Roque says at the Laging Handa virtual briefing.

May 1, 2020

Who can go to work in GCQ areas?

Government workers

Work in government offices may be at full operational capacity or under alternative work arrangements in accordance with Civil Service Commission rules

Category I industries that are allowed to work at full operational capacity (work from home or other arrangements also allowed)

"Agriculture, fishery, and forestry industries, food manufacturing and food supply chain businesses, including food retail establishments such as supermarkets, grocery stores, and food preparation establishments insofar as take-out and delivery services, food delivery services, health-related establishments, the logistics sector, information technology and telecommunication companies, media"

Category II industries allowed to work "between 50% capacity up to full operational capacity" (work from home or other arrangements also allowed)

"Mining and other manufacturing, export-oriented, and electronic commerce companies, as well as other delivery, repair and maintenance, and housing and office services"

Category III industries allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% working on site (work from home or other arrangements also allowed)

"Financial services, BPOs, legal and accounting, and auditing services, professional, scientific, technical, and other non-leisure services, and other non-leisure wholesale and retail establishments"

Other industries

"Limited operations in malls and shopping centers shall be allowed, except for leisure establishments and services which shall continue to be closed"

Essential public and private construction projects are allowed

Amusement, gaming, and fitness establishments and businesses in the kids and tourism industry are NOT ALLOWED to operate

Except for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, which are for gambling but that presidential spokesperson Harry Roque says are like BPOs, if you think about it

Hotels are allowed to accommodate guests with existing booking accommodations for:

  • foreigners
  • guests with existing long-term bookings
  • distressed OFWs and stranded Filipinos or foreign nationals
  • people undergoing mandatory quarantine
  • healthcare workers and employees of exempted establishments

May 1, 2020

Guidelines on movement in GCQ areas

  • Movement is limited to accessing essential goods and services "and for work in the offices or industries permitted to operate."
  • Movement for leisure purposes is prohibited
  • People who are 21 years old and below or who are 60 years old and above as well as those considered more at risk from COVID-19 "except when indispensable" and only for essential movement
  • Road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors of public transportation will operate at reduced capacity, "provided that in all public transport, a strict one-meter distance between passengers shall be observed."

April 30, 2020

Interior Local Government Setecretary Eduardo Año says public and mass transportation will be allowed in areas under general community quarantine, provided that one-meter distancing and other preventive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are observed.

He adds that jeepneys are still not allowed to operate.

Other regions and provinces in the Philippines considered moderate and low-risk areas will be placed under general community quarantine starting May 1. Bookmark this page for updates. (Main image by The STAR/Edd Gumban)

Show comments