The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country has now reached 9,485 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 262 new cases on Monday, including 122 from NCR, 88 from Region 7, and 52 from other regions.
The DOH also recorded the highest number of recoveries in one day at 101, bringing the total number of patients who have recovered at 1,315. The death toll has climbed to 623 with the death of 16 more patients.
There are currently 7,547 active cases. Based on the DOH latest tally, 1,772 healthcare workers have been infected by the virus, where 319 recovered and 34 died.
The DOH assured its commitment to reach 30,000 tests per day on May 30 as four mega swabbing centers in Mega Manila and Bulacan are expected to open this week. They are capable of conducting 5,000 tests daily.
The health department also assigned additional lab encoders to speed up the release of COVID-19 test results.
Around 500 healthcare employees have been hired by four hospitals and quarantine facilities. The health department is calling or 300 additional nurses for the Lung Center of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, a study conducted by the Philippine Genome Center shows the strain of the virus in the Philippines possibly came from Japan, Australia, and Shanghai, China.
DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said the study has greatly helped in the disease surveillance but added that sequencing of more samples is needed to improve information on the source, spread, and evolution of COVID-19 in the country. – Report from Mark Fetalco
