COVID-19 cases now 50,359; highest single-day count of 2,539 cases — DOH

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines jumped to over 50,000 on Wednesday night as 2,539 more infections were confirmed by the Department of Health (DOH) — the highest single-day count reported. 

The country’s total cumulative tally is now at 50,359 based on the DOH latest case bulletin released at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday. 

The new cases surpassed the previous single-day record of 2,434, which was reported last Sunday, July 5. 

A total of 12,588 patients have recovered from the dreaded illness as 202 more survivors were recorded. However, COVID-19 related deaths is now at 1,314 as five  more patients died. 

The DOH noted that “53 duplicates were removed from the total case count.”

“The total cases reported may be subject to change as these numbers undergo constant cleaning and validation,” it said. 

The DOH said that of the new cases recorded, 1,922 patients tested positive within the last three days. 

The National Capital Region (NCR) had the most number of cases under this classification at 883, followed by Central Visayas that had 369. The remaining 670 cases were recorded in other regions of the country. 

Also part of the new cases were 617 patients who tested positive four days ago or more. The NCR accounted for 183 cases under this classification, while Central Visayas had 74. The other 360 cases came from other parts of the country. 

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that one of the factors on the spike of cases is the community transmission aside from the country’s  increasing testing capacity. 

“Lalong napapaigting ang community transmission kung lax o hindi natin sinusunod ang minimum health standards ,” she said. 

Vergeire emphasized again the importance of wearing a mask, physical distancing, proper hand washing, observing cough etiquette during this time of pandemic. 

“This is precisely why everybody needs to religiously subscribe to our minimum public health standards. It may sound repetitive but we will not stop reminding everyone to wear a mask, observe physical distancing, sanitize. This is a call for everybody, whether you be in the private or public sector” said Vergeire. 

“If you are going out and exposing yourself and your loved ones to an unseen enemy, protect yourself. By doing so, you protect your family, you protect your community, you protect the nation,” she added.