DOH records biggest 1-day hike in COVID cases

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday reported 2,434 new coronavirus disease 2019 cases – the highest in a single day, bringing the total number of COVID-19 infections in the country to 44,254.

Of the 2,434 cases, 1,147 were fresh cases or test results released to patients within the last three days, while 1,287 were late cases or test results released to patients beyond four days.

The National Capital Region (NCR) has the highest number of fresh cases with 440, followed by Central Visayas with 364.

A total of 336 cases were from other regions, while seven were repatriates.

The NCR also has the highest number of late cases with 629, while 238 were from Central Visayas and 420 from other regions.

The fresh cases are based on the daily accomplishment reports submitted by only 58 out of 73 currently operational labs.

The DOH attributed the increase in cases yesterday to the “increased contact among the population.”

“As the country continues to ease community quarantine measures, the rise in the number of cases today may be attributed to the increased contact among the population,” it said.

Of the seven reported deaths, six occurred in June. As of yesterday, there were a total of 1,297 deaths.

The DOH also announced 489 recoveries, bringing the total number of recoveries to 11,942.

The health department appealed to all establishments to “implement the minimum health standards in their premises and immediately report clustering of confirmed cases in their respective workplaces.”

Authorities urged the public to continue practicing general preventive measures, such as proper handwashing, physical distancing, wearing of mask, avoiding non-essential travel outside their homes, and to observe minimum health standards to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus.