The number of COVID-19 recoveries in the country has now surpassed the death toll from the disease.
The latest data of the Department of Health (DOH) show there are currently 353 patients who have recovered from the disease, while 349 have died.
The total number of cases has continued to rise at 5,453 after the department recorded 230 new cases.
The DOH disclosed there are now 16 COVID-19 laboratories in the country, while 47 more laboratories are undergoing certification process. A total of 39, 947 individual tests have been conducted from which 34, 116 tested negative.
DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire explained COVID-19 patients can be discharged if their initial test results are negative or if their situation have become better. A confirmed case can also be discharged if his/her symptoms are gone and their COVID-19 test result using RT-PCR yield negative.
Meanwhile, the health department says hospitals and health facilities must continue to provide essential health services amid the COVID-19 pandemic, following the reported refusal of some hospitals to admit patients with other medical needs. – Report from Mark Fetalco
