The number of COVID-19 recoveries in the country at 487 continues to surpass on its third day the number of fatalities at 387 as the health department reports the recovery of 52 cases and the death of 25 patients.
The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reports 218 new cases, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 5, 878.
The DOH explains that the increase in recoveries can be attributed to the higher index of suspicion of doctors as they treat probable cases and wait for test results.
Around 4,000 samples have been tested by the COVID-19 laboratories on Thursday. The DOH also announces there are now 17 certified laboratories while 47 are undergoing accreditation process.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clarifies it has not approved any of the medicines being released over the social media that claim to be effective for COVID-19. These must first undergo clinical trial.
The DOH says 3,222 close contacts have been assessed since the start of the contact tracing, while 18 clusters have been recorded in the country.
The health department also advises the public to stop discriminating COVID-19 survivors.
Meanwhile, 766 health workers have been affected by COVID-19 including 339 doctors, 242 nurses. Latest data show 22 healthcare workers have died from the disease.
Report from Mark Fetalco
