DOH records lowest daily COVID-19 tally since mid-July of 2020

MANILA, Philippines — Even with the threat of the heavily mutated Omicron variant overseas, the Philippines continues its downward trajectory of new COVID-19 cases.

The Department of Health (DOH), Monday, tallied just 665 new infections of COVID-19 cases in the country — the lowest since July 14, 2020 when it dipped to a low of 634.

"Ten duplicates were removed from the total case count. Of these, 8 are recoveries and 1 is a death. In addition, 87 cases were found to have tested negative and have been removed from the total case count. These 87 are recoveries," said the DOH.

"Moreover, 129 cases that were previously tagged as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation."

However, two laboratories were said to be non-operational last November 27 while three labs weren't able to submit their data to the COVID-19 Document Repository System (CDRS).

Even with the lower case counts in the past few days, the Philippines recently closed its borders on seven European and seven African nations due to the threat of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant —  which is said to have over 50 mutations and the possibility of increased transmissibility and immune evasion.

Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles earlier today urged the public to keep their guard up against COVID-19 in the coming holidays which comes with increased mobility amid the new Omicron threat.

"I would go for safety first for everyone. That is why COVID-19 vaccination is very important nowadays," said Presidential Rodrigo Duterte's spokesperson in a mix of Filipino and English in a Palace briefing.

"Let's take advantage of this three days national vaccination days to have ourselves inoculated... to fully protect ourselves and our families." — James Relativo