Concerns aired as COVID-19 cases rise

COVID-19 cases rise

MANILA – The Department of Health said the total number of cases reached 50,359 where an increase of 5.31% was noted from Tuesday’s reported cases with 2,539 where 1,922 were classified fresh cases for the past three days and 617 cases or later than four days.

The National Capital Region was found to have 883 fresh and 183 late cases while Region 7 or Central Visayas had 369 fresh and 74 late cases. No COVID cases were reported from repatriates while other areas had 670 fresh and 360 late cases.

The seven-day average growth rate is 3.92% or 1.693 cases per day while the case doubling rate deteriorated to 17.87 days.

The Department of Health also reported 202 new recoveries for a total number of 12,588 or 25% recovery rate. There were five new deaths for a total of 1,314 or 2.61% fatality rate.

It was learned 822,098 individuals have been tested with an increase of 21.654 from the previous day with a positive rate of 9.3% as against the average of 7.5%.

Bicol listed the highest rise in COVID-19 cases due to returning residents. TV station CNN Philippines was reported to go off air after a utility staff tested positive for COVID-19.

In Legazpi City, Mayor Noel Ebriega Rosal said the Inter-Agency Task Force in its meeting Wednesday, passed a resolution to enhance the border control at the boundary of Tagkawayan, Quezon and Del Gallego, Camarines Sur where PNP and PLTO will check cans and other vehicles for their travel passes and health certificates.

Locally-Stranded Individuals will be allowed to pass with corresponding travel permits and will go directly to quarantine facilities of different local government units to put a stop the spread of COVID-19 across the region.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said she tested positive for COVID-19 although asymptomatic.

Budget and Management Secretary Wendel E. Avisado said the government has enough funds to sustain anti-COVID-19 measures. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said 75,000 OFWs displaced by COVID-19 have been sent home.

Secretary Roy Cimatu expressed confidence Cebu City will b downgraded to GCQ by Thursday, July 16.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said COVID-19 underscored the need to shift to digital transactions. (Melo M. Acuña)