DOH: Almost 23,000 COVID-19 tests conducted in Philippines; 82.7% yielded negative results

Almost 23,000 tests for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been conducted in the country and majority of these yielded negative results, according to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday.

"We have a total of 22,958 tests conducted. Out of these, 16,615 or 82.7% turned out negative and 3,414 or 16.9% turned out positive," Vergeire said in a virtual press briefing.

The actual number of people who have undergone the tests, however, was not mentioned. The health official earlier explained that each person may be required to undergo multiple tests depending on their respective cases. 

Nonetheless, Vergeire said on Sunday that over 19,000 people underwent COVID-19 testing.  

Vergeire made the announcement of updated figures on Monday after some netizens complained about contrasting numbers posted on the Department of Health's online tracker.

"We have been explaining that our nCoV tracker is suffering from technical issues. 'Yung ating down na system hindi po napi-pickup 'yung ating mga lumalabas na resulta," she said.

As of Sunday afternoon, the Philippines recorded a total of 3,246 cases of COVID-19, with 153 deaths and 64 recoveries.

READ: COVID-19 Dashboard: Summary of Cases in the Philippines

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday said the DOH cannot ascertain yet if the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines has already peaked.

Duque said they may have to wait for another four to five days before they can establish a clear trend.

"Kailangan natin ng sufficient epidemiological data ng COVID-19. Kasi nga, 'di ba, nagkaroon tayo ng malaking kakulangan sa testing so hindi pa ganoon kalinaw yung tunay na litrato ng COVID-19 sa Pilipinas." —KG, GMA News