DEATHS from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continued to soar as 122 more patients lost their battle against the deadly virus while new cases rose to 7,485 yesterday, according to the Department of Health.
In its latest bulletin, the DOH said the death toll climbed to 22,312 for a case fatality rate of 1.72 while the total number of infections in the country rose to 1,293,687.
Last Wednesday, 5,462 new cases were reported although this did not include figures from eight laboratories. Yesterday’s new cases lacked figures from four labs.
Active cases, down to 54,000 last Wednesday, rose to 56,921, with 92.6 percent mild cases, 3.2 percent asymptomatic cases, 1.7 percent severe cases, 1.3 percent critical cases, and 1.1 percent moderate cases.
There were 4,504 more recoveries, raising the number of survivors to 1,214,454. The DOH said this means that 93.9 percent of COVID patients have recovered.
Davao del Sur Gov. Douglas Cagas died yesterday morning after a bout with COVID-19. He was 77.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Governor Douglas “Dodo” Cagas this morning, owing to COVID complications. He has joined his Creator in Heaven,” the Cagas family said in a statement.
It said Cagas is the “loving” husband of Davao del Sur Rep. Mercedes “Didi” Cagas and father of Davao del Sur Vice Gov. Marc Douglas.
“But not only that, he was also a brother, uncle, advisor and friend to many. He was the father of the Province of Davao del Sur, a dedicated public servant, and his life is a wonderful inspiration to all,” the statement added.
It said Cagas “has left many footprints in Davao del Sur.” These footprints, the statement added, “will be remembered for generations and even more indelible footprints in our hearts.”
Last week, reports spread on social media that Cagas had died of COVID-19. A member of the Cagas family denied the reports, saying the governor’s vital signs were stable although he continued to be confined at the Digos City Hospital. — With Victor Reyes
