A DAY after the Department of Health (DOH) reported a marked improvement in the case doubling time (CDT) in the country, less than 2,000 new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases were reported yesterday.
In its latest bulletin, the DOH said of the 1,987 new cases, majority or 818 still came from the National Capital Region (NCR), which has been the hotspot for months, while Cavite had 153 cases, Laguna (125), Negros Occidental (122), and Rizal (78).
Overall, the total number of cases in the country rose to 228,403 with 65 more deaths, raising the total of fatalities to 3,688 fatalities.
Last Wednesday, the DOH reported that as of August 31 the country’s CDT has improved to 10.08 days as compared to 1.55 days in March 15.
“As we have said before, the longer doubling time we have, the slower the spread of the transmission is,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online media forum.
Majority of the new deaths were recorded in NCR with 35. Other deaths were reported from Calabarzon (9), Eastern Visayas (6), Northern Mindanao (3), Caraga (3), Ilocos Region (2), Zamboanga Peninsula (2), Soccsksargen (2), Central Luzon (1), Western Visayas (1), and Central Visayas (1).
The DOH said there were 880 new recoveries, meaning the number of survivors has risen to 159,475.
Globally, as of September 2, there were 25,602,665 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 852,758 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said only one overseas Filipino was added to the list of those infected with COVID-19, bringing the total to 10,097. The DFA also reported 43 recoveries among overseas Filipinos infected with the deadly virus.
Since its outbreak, 6,220 overseas Filipinos have managed to recover from the virus.
No new fatality was reported to the DFA by its embassies and consulates.
Meanwhile, former Calauan, Laguna mayor and convicted rapist-murderer Antonio Sanchez has tested negative for COVID-19, the Bureau of Corrections said.
Last Monday night, Sanchez was subjected to a swab test after experiencing flu-like symptoms and shortness of breath.
“The swab test on him came back negative but he is still at the NBP Hospital,” said BuCor spokesman Gabriel Chaclag, adding Sanchez, 71, who is serving seven life terms for the 1993 rape and murders of UPLB students Eileen Sarmenta and Allan Gomez, is in stable condition.
Three employees of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao government tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the temporary closure of the Office of the Chief Minister building in Cotabato City effective yesterday. — With Ashzel Hachero and victor Reyes
