A DAY after the number of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country topped the two million mark, 16,621 more infections were reported by the Department of Health that did not include data from five laboratories, along with 148 additional deaths.
In its latest bulletin yesterday, the DOH said the number of cases in the country climbed to 2,020,484 while the toll rose to 33,680 for a case fatality rate of 1.67.
Active cases jumped to 146,510 from 140,949 last Wednesday, with 96.2 percent mild cases, 1.1 percent severe cases, 1.1 percent asymptomatic cases, 0.9 percent moderate cases, and 0.6 percent critical cases.
The DOH also reported 10,965 more recoveries, raising the number of survivors to 1,840,294.
Two more policemen died due to COVID-19, bringing to 106 the number of cops who have succumbed to the virus.
One of the fatalities, a 54-year-old assigned in the Bicol region who was admitted into a quarantine facility last Aug. 19 after experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, tested positive a day after.
On Aug. 23, he was brought to a hospital due to difficulty in breathing and decrease in oxygen level. He died three days later.
The second fatality, a 25-year-old assigned in the Ilocos region who has received the first dose of a vaccine, was rushed to a hospital last Aug. 24 due to difficulty in breathing and died on the same day. A post-mortem examination and swab test showed he was positive for COVID-19.
PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar expressed his condolences to the families of the two and assured them of assistance.
The PNP Health Service reported 219 new COVID-19 infections in the police force, bringing to 34,972 the total cases since last year, with 2,022 still active cases.
Meanwhile, Mayor Yuri Pacumio of Tanza, Cavite has tested positive for the deadly virus.
“In spite of strict compliance to prevailing health protocols, I regret to inform you that I tested positive for COVID-19,” Pacumio announced on his Facebook page on Wednesday night, adding he is in isolation and recovering.
Pacumio said individuals who have been in close contact with him, including members of his family, have underwent swab tests and came out negative.
“The LGU Tanza will remain open to provide services to you, especially during this critical time,” Pacumio said and appealed to Tanza residents to be vigilant against the virus.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III ordered a cut in the number of employees reporting in the Senate beginning yesterday after several employees tested positive for the deadly virus.
Sotto said 39 employees have been infected with the virus while 168 were in quarantine. Of those infected, 10 were from the Senate’s Bills and Index office.
Last May, Sotto said 73 percent of Senate employees have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The Senate has around 1,800 employees.
Six senators have tested positive for the virus but all have fully recovered.
The Pasig City Hall has been locked down after several employees from different offices, including the Administrator’s department, tested positive for the virus. — With Victor Reyes, Raymond Africa, and Christian Oineza
