MANILA, Philippines — The number of people who currently have COVID-19 rose to 290,938 after the Department of Health reported over 37,000 new infections on Monday.
The DOH logged 37,070 additional cases—the fourth highest single-day tally since the pandemic started.
Active cases accounted for 9% of the country’s total caseload at 3,242,374.
The death toll climbed to 52,929 after 23 more patients died, while recoveries increased by 33,940 to 2,898,507.
According to the DOH, 97% of the additional cases occurred from January 4 to January 17. The regions with most cases in the recent two weeks were Metro Manila (36%), Calabarzon (25%) and Central Luzon (12%).
The positivity rate was 46% out of 77,410 tests. The rate was way above the 5-percent threshold of the World Health Organization for opening economies.
Twelve laboratories did not submit data to the DOH.
'No vaccination, no ride' starts
- The implementation of the government's controversial "no vaccination, no ride" policy began Monday.
- The DOH released a checklist for people who want to get boosters but had COVID-19 infection or experienced symptoms.
- The labor department urged employers to put in place paid isolation and quarantine leaves for workers.
- The positivity rate in Metro Manila went down to 50% from 54%, according to OCTA Research.
- OCTA Research also said it has observed an increase in coronavirus cases in areas outside Metro Manila.
— Gaea Katreena Cabico