The Department of Health (DOH) has reported 359 more cases of COVID-19—176 “fresh” or newly validated and 183 reported late —bringing the total to 18,997.
The DOH also announced that total recoveries breached the 4,000 mark after 84 more patients recovered from the respiratory disease, raising the total to 4,063, while the death toll climbed to 966 with six more fatalities.
Among the fresh cases, 33 were from Metro Manila, 89 were from Region VII, while the remaining 54 patients were spread out across the country.
Among the late cases, 39 came from Metro Manila, 25 were repatriates, eight were from Region VII, and the other 111 cases came from various areas nationwide.
There are also 13,699 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 12,826 of which are mild, 795 are asymptomatic, 59 are severe, while 19 are in critical condition.
As of May 31, the Philippines has 38 certified polymerase chain reaction facilities and 11 GeneXpert laboratories that have tested 328,835 individuals.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said 38 out of the 42 operational laboratories have submitted their complete line lists for validation and daily accomplishment reports as of June 1.
The four remaining laboratories are expected to submit their reports by Thursday.
“Kapag ang lahat ng mga laboratoryo natin ay nagpapasa on time ng kanilang daily accomplishment reports, wala po tayong maiiwang backlogs for validation at ibig sabihin ay fresh cases na lamang po ang ating i-re-report,” Vergeire said.
The DOH earlier explained that operational issues, such as damages to laboratories and the lack of supplies, are limiting testing centers’ daily output to 8,000 to 9,000 only.
The government’s goal was to conduct 30,000 tests per day by May 30. /Stacy Ang
