The Department of  Health (DOH) has reported on Sunday that the number of cases of positive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country has surged by 285 new cases, as the total number of cases reached 7,579.

“As of 4PM today, April 26, 2020, the Department of Health reports 285 new cases (PH7295-PH7579) of COVID-19. The total number of cases in the country is now at 7,579,” said DOH Case Bulletin #043.

The DOH also said there are 7 new COVID-19-related fatalities, bringing the total death toll to 501.

The DOH also announced 70 new recoveries, raising the total to 862.

The country reported its first case of the disease on January 30 in a Chinese woman who came from the Chinese city of Wuhan where the virus that causes COVID-19 is believed to have originated./Stacy Ang