The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday confirmed that there were 32 new positive COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, bringing the total to 262.

One COVID-19-positive patient died with a death toll now at 19.

Five others recovered from COVID-19, bringing to 13 patients who have recovered from the disease.

Meanwhile, the former dean of the University of the Philippines Asian Center, Dr. Aileen S.P. Baviera ,  passed away on Saturday due to pneumonia caused by COVID-19.

A staff member of a member of the House of Representatives who tested positive for COVID-19 also died on Sarturday.

Meanwhile, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Saturday said the three hospitals the government is eyeing to be exclusively used for COVID-19 patients will be ready in about a week’s time.

Vergeire said the DOH is now preparing 140 beds at the Philippine General Hospital in Manila, 120 beds at the Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital in Caloocan, and 40 beds at the Lung Center of the Philippines.

“By end of this coming week ay puwede na natin gamitin,” Vergeire said./Stacy Ang