The Department of Health (DOH) disclosed that as of May 12, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country is now at 11,350 after 264 more cases have been reported.
DOH said 165 of the new cases are from the National Capital Region (NCR) and 74 are from Region 7. The number of recoveries also rose to 2,106 after 107 patients recovered while the death toll climbed to 751 with the reported passing of 25 patients.
Latest data show there are currently 8,493 active cases.
DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire reiterated the increase in reported cases is not unexpected due to the country’s increased testing capacity. The positivity rate is considered in determining if the spread of the virus has slowed down.
Meanwhile, Vergeire said the LGU Epidemic Response Framework is one of the bases of the DOH in placing some areas under low, moderate, and high-risk areas. It considers the case doubling time and critical care utilization rate to determine the necessary restrictions and measures to be implemented at a particular place. Low-risk areas have a case doubling time of more than 30 days, seven to 30 days for moderate-risk areas, and six days or shorter for high-risk areas.
Vergeire also cited the possibility of increase in cases with the easing of quarantine or lockdown but assured the health department with other government and private sectors will do their best to be more prepared and to improve testing efforts, hospital capacity, equipment, and manpower. – Report from Mark Fetalco
