Philippines’ COVID-19 cases top 20,000

The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines breached the 20,000 mark on Thursday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 634 new infections—313 “fresh” or newly validated and 321 reported late—bringing the total to 20,382.

Total recoveries also rose to 4,248 after 95 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease, while the death toll climbed to 984 with 10 new fatalities.

Among the fresh cases, 114 are from Metro Manila, 101 are from Region VII, one is a repatriate, while the remaining 97 are spread out across the country.

Among the late cases, 44 came from Metro Manila, 37 are from Region VII, 63 are repatriates, and the 177 other patients came from various areas nationwide.

As of June 2, the Philippines has 40 certified polymerase chain reaction facilities and 12 GeneXpert laboratories that have tested 345,577 individuals.

Vince Dizon, deputy chief implementer of the government’s COVID-19 response, earlier said the country’s laboratories now have the capacity to perform nearly 42,000 tests daily. 

However, laboratories are not yet able to perform at the maximum capacity due to various operational constraints. 

Dizon also said the government aims to include asymptomatic individuals in its “expanded targeting testing.” —LDF, GMA News