The Department of Health (DOH) has reported an increase of  a record-high 2,434 additional cases of COVID-19 on Sunday afternoon, bringing the total to 44,254 cases in the Philippines.

“As of 4PM today, July 05, 2020, the Department of Health reports the total number of COVID-19 cases at 44,254,” said  DOH COVID-19 Case Bulletin #113, posted on Sunday afternoon.

In addition to the 1,147 fresh cases, 1,287 late cases were reported, which brings the total to 2,434 cases, the DOH said.

“Today’s fresh cases are based on the daily accomplishment reports submitted by only 58 out of 73 current operational labs,” they said.

The DOH also reported seven new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 1,297.

DOH likewise announced 489 recoveries. This brings the total number of recoveries to 11,942.

Of the 7 reported deaths, 6 (86%) occurred in June. Ten duplicates were removed from the total case count. The total cases reported may be subject to change as these numbers undergo constant cleaning and validation, the DOH said.

As the country continues to ease community quarantine measures, the rise in the number of cases may be attributed to the increased contact among the population, the DOH said.

“We implore the public to continue practicing general preventive measures, such as proper handwashing, physical distancing, wearing of mask, avoidance of non-essential travel outside their homes, and to observe minimum health standards to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus,” said the DOH.

“We appeal to all establishments to implement the minimum health standards in their premises and immediately report clustering of confirmed cases in their respective workplaces,” said the DOH./Stacy Ang