A total of five laboratories were suspended by the Department of Health (DOH) following their late submission of data concerning COVID-19 test results.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said a laboratory has pushed through with its operation despite the suspension order, resulting in the non-acceptance of some passenger swab results from the suspended facility.
The health department has previously warned laboratories of suspension over failure to submit data on COVID-19 tests on time which are crucial in the monitoring of cases in the country.
The DOH is now urging testing centers to comply with the reportorial requirement for the completion of data to determine the real trend of COVID-19 in the country.
A total of 1,776 new cases were reported on January 8 afternoon, bringing the tally to 483,852. Fatalities rose to 9,364 while recoveries climbed to 449,330. – Report from Mark Fetalco
