AFTER going south for the last four days, new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases crept up anew yesterday, with the Department of Health reporting 17,411 new infections along with 177 more deaths that raised the toll to 37,405.
In its latest bulletin, the DOH said just three laboratories failed to submit data to the COVID-19 Document Repository System (CDRS).
Overall, infections in the country rose to 2,434,753 while active cases also climbed to 165,790 from 162,580 last Wednesday, with 92.1 percent mild cases, 3.1 percent asymptomatic cases, 2.7 percent moderate cases, 1.5 percent severe cases, and 0.7 percent critical cases.
The DOH said the positivity rate stood at 24.6 percent among the 71,010 tested on September 20 nationwide.
There were 14,090 more recoveries, raising the number of survivors to 2,231,558.
Meanwhile, nine sisters of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) have succumbed to the deadly virus while 13 others are still severe cases.
In a statement, the RVM said 114 lay personnel and sisters staying in the convent of the religious organization, with address at 214 N. Domingo St., Barangay Kaunlaran, Cubao, Quezon City, have contracted COVID-19 the past week.
“Among the 62 Sisters afflicted, two are already fully recovered, 38 are experiencing mild/moderate symptoms, and 13 are considered severe,” the RVM said, adding: “Nine sisters have passed away, all in the age range of 79 to 98 years, and with comorbidities.”
It also said that 50 of the 52 lay personnel who tested positive last week are on the way to full recovery.
It added the infected sisters and staff are isolated at the St. Joseph Home, a separate building in the compound that houses the elderly and infirm sisters.
The Congregation also assured that it has been coordinating very closely with the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit on their status and condition.
“The affected sisters and staff continue to be monitored and receive treatment,” RVM said, and appealed for prayers for the speedy recovery of the infected individuals.
The RVM also warned the public against unscrupulous individuals supposedly engaged in fraudulent solicitation drives on behalf of the congregation. It said those who wish to send donations or assistance can coordinate directly with the RVM Secretariat through tel. numbers (02) 8723-4414; and 0920-4181981.
