The Department of Health (DOH) disclosed the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country has climbed to 10,343 as 339 more cases were reported on Thursday. The recovery tally increased to 1,618 after 112 more patients have recovered, while fatalities also rose to 685 after 27 patients expired.
There are currently 8,040 active cases.
Meanwhile, the number of healthcare workers infected by COVID-19 has continued to decline as of April 11. Latest data show 1,886 health workers have been infected.
DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said the rise in the reported number of cases can be attributed to the expansion in the country’s testing capacity. She clarified that new cases are not increasing since the data from the previous weeks are now being processed.
As of May 6, a total of 130,990 unique individuals have been tested for COVID-19 where 13,379 tested positive and 117,332 turned out negative.
Amid matters concerning flattening of the curve, experts have emphasized the six areas of the health system including surveillance, communications, workforce, infrastructure and medical supplies, governance, and trust as means of preparations during the pandemic.
UP-Manila Research College of Public Health Associate Dean Dr. Katherine Reyes pointed out that the slowdown in the doubling of cases will help the country prepare once the ECQ is lifted but warned it is not yet time to be complacent.
Meanwhile, senior citizens will be granted a 20 percent discount on vitamins and mineral supplements. The DOH said the discount will be effective 30 days after the administrative order is published. – Report from Mark Fetalco
