The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday reported 258 new cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, as totals breached 14,000.

Total cases in the country is now at 14,035.

“As of 4PM today, May 24, 2020, the Department of Health reports 258 new cases (PH13778-PH14035) of COVID-19. NCR with an additional 195 new cases, 66 new cases from different Regions and 12 for Repatriate. The total number of cases in the country is now at 14,035,” said DOH COVID-19 Case Bulletin #071.

Deaths toll was reported at 868, with five new fatalities.

The DOH also announced 72 new recoveries. This brings the total number of recoveries to 3,249.

The DOH earlier explained that various factors caused the discrepancy between the number of confirmed cases reported daily and the actual number of people who have tested positive, including the lack of surveillance officers and duplication of names.

Meanwhile, among the latest polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratories to be licensed by the DOH were the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory and the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, bringing the total number of PCR testing centers to 34.

A total of 120 other facilities were undergoing the five-step laboratory accreditation process, 92 of which were already at Stage 3 and above./Stacy Ang