The positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines increased to 12,718 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 205 new infections on Monday, the first work day under loosened quarantine restrictions in most areas nationwide.

“As of 4PM today, May 18, 2020, the Department of Health reports 205 new cases (PH12514-PH12718) of COVID-19. NCR with additional 145 new cases, Region 7 with 8 additional new cases and 52 new cases from different Regions. The total number of cases in the country is now at 12,718,” said DOH COVID-19 CASE BULLETIN #065.

Deaths increased to 831, with 7 new fatalities.

DOH also announced 94 new recoveries. This brings the total number of recoveries to 2,729.

Amid reports of heavy traffic and lack of social distancing in public areas, Malacañang warned that the enhanced community quarantined can still be reinstated.

The Palace also said that the government cannot afford to shoulder testing costs for private employees, even as 50 to 70 percent of the workforce returns to duty under the new quarantine measures./Stacy Ang