The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reported that the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 6,087, while the number of recoveries at 516 continues to surpass the death toll at 397.
The DOH said mild and asymptomatic cases on home quarantine have been added to the latest reported number of recoveries.
The health department also announced it has received 3,000 GeneXpert kits to be used for COVID-19 testing.
DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire explained GeneXpert has a 45-minute turnaround time and can process more specimens daily since it is automated.
She clarified the kits will not be immediately distributed to certified laboratories as the kits will still undergo validation process.
Meanwhile, the DOH assured the close coordination with the Quezon City Jail in conducting testing and contact tracing after some inmates in the facility tested positive for COVID-19.
