By Analou De Vera
The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Friday 119 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), bringing the country's total to more than 4,100. In its latest case bulletin, the DOH said that the number of people infected with the novel coronavirus has climbed to 4,195. The Health department also reported 18 new deaths among COVID-19 patients.
"This brings the total number of deaths to 221," it noted.
Sixteen new patients have recovered, raising the number of recoveries to 140, the DOH said. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration warned the public anew regarding the use of drugs or vaccines with unproven claims to be safe and effective in the treatment of COVID-19.
"Currently, there are no registered drugs or vaccines that are licensed specifically for use in COVID-19 treatment or prevention." the FDA said. The FDA said that such products are unlicensed and unregistered with the FDA Center for Drug Regulation and Research.
"Until such products are proven safe and effective for use in the treatment of COVID-19, they cannot be dispensed to the public nor can therapeutic claims be made," it said.