Philippines records 592 new COVID-19 infections; active tally at 47K

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday recorded 592 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the nationwide COVID-19 tally to 3,668,940.

According to the DOH’s latest bulletin posted on its website, the new cases brought the country's active case count to 47,173.

A total of 3,564,509 patients recovered from the respiratory disease, while the number of deaths rose to 57,258.

Based on the latest data, it showed that 24.64% of the intensive care unit (ICU) beds for COVID-19 patients nationwide are in use.

At least 22.04% of the country’s isolation beds were utilized, while 13.66% ward beds were in use.

The Philippines on Wednesday logged the lowest COVID-19 daily tally this year with 580 new infections.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Thursday the government is now studying the possibility of further easing the country's COVID-19 status to “Alert Level 0,” with several areas now at Alert Level 1.

Duque said the country has recorded fewer than a thousand cases daily for six consecutive days while the National Capital Region (NCR) and 38 more areas nationwide are still under the lowest level until March 15.

Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities. All establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards. — BM, GMA News