The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Monday the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country is now at 12,718 after 205 more patients were added to the tally. A total of 94 patients were added to the recovery tally which is currently at 2,729 while seven more fatalities were included in the death toll which is now at 831.
Data from the DOH show there are 9,158 active cases.
DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire reminded the World War C or COVID-19 is not yet over and the country has just started with the new phase on the war against the disease, following reports on the increase in the number of persons out in the open with the easing of community quarantine.
Vergeire clarified employers are not required to have their employees tested. She added if employees are showing symptoms, they may be brought to a licensed testing center. The DOH also encouraged employers to implement alternative working arrangements and the continued observance of preventive measures.
Amid measures to boost testing capacity, the DOH pointed out that the process of testing requires thoroughness since a live virus is involved. It assured laboratories have enough biosafety and hands on training on molecular biology.
The health department emphasized the continued increase in manpower and zoning system to address backlogs in testing centers. Encoding backlogs due to blank or incomplete information in case investigation forms from hospitals. – Report from Mark Fetalco
