DOH: 1,252 new COVID-19 cases logged from October 9–15, 2023

The Department of Health confirmed 1,252 new COVID-19 cases in the week of October 9 to 15, slightly lower than the 1,264 new cases registered in the week that preceded it. 

The total is equivalent to 179 average daily new cases, according to GMA Integrated News Research, slightly lower than the average of 181 in the previous week. The dip also comes after five straight weeks of increasing new cases.

Twenty of the new cases are classified as severe or critical cases, 67% higher than the 12 last week and the highest total in 10 reporting weeks. It comes after nine reporting weeks of fewer than 20 new severe or critical cases.

Twelve deaths were verified during the past week, including five that occurred in the period from October 2 to 15.

Healthcare utilization as of October 15, 2023 shows that 231 or 7.9% of total COVID-19 admissions are severe and critical admissions, lower than the 271 in the previous week.

ICU bed utilization for the week was at 12.9%, highest in two weeks, while non-ICU bed utilization was at 16.9%. Healthcare utilization is still in the low-risk zone.

The DOH also logged 160 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the country's case total from the start of the pandemic to 4,117,734. — BM, GMA Integrated News