Philippines records 117 new COVID-19 cases

The Philippines reported fewer than 200 new cases of COVID-19 for the second straight week on Sunday but deaths climbed to the highest in 10 days, government data showed.

Data released by the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 117 new cases on Sunday, lower than the 142 cases on Saturday, February 25.

The active cases fell to 9,327 from 9,347 the previous day, marking the first decline after three straight days of increasing active cases in the country.

This is the fourth straight day of over 100 new cases, but also the 14th straight day of fewer than 200 new cases, bringing the country’s total COVID-19 caseload to 4,076,237.

Recoveries climbed by 175 to 4,000,813, the highest in seven days, outpacing new cases after three straight days of new cases overtaking recoveries.

The same data showed that deaths stood at 66,097, reflecting an increase of 14 or the highest in 10 days.

The highest number of cases in the past two weeks were recorded in Metro Manila with 431, followed by the Davao region with 239, Calabarzon with 172, Western Visayas with 95, and Soccsksargen with 80.

Broken down in terms of provinces and cities, Davao del Sur led with 177, followed by Manila City with 99, Quezon City with 79, Rizal with 57, and Cavite with 54.

The DOH data showed that there were 7,348 samples and 7,057 individuals tested on February 25, with data submitted by 300 testing laboratories. The cumulative positivity rate was 13.6%.

In terms of facilities, the DOH recorded a bed occupancy rate of 17.0%, with 4,270 out of the 25,163 beds occupied.

Latest data from the DOH show that there were 166,423,405 COVID-19 vaccines administered as of February 19, consisting of 71,049,364 first doses; 73,873,958 complete doses; and 21,500,083 booster doses. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News