The Philippines recorded 3,694 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Thursday Oct. 28, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
The new cases brought the number of active infections nationwide to 49,835. Majority or 73.4 percent have mild symptoms, 10.97 percent are in moderate condition, 6.8 percent are asymptomatic, 6.2 percent are severe, and 2.6 percent are in critical condition.
Since last year, the DOH has already detected a total of 2,772,491 cases.
Moreover, there were 3,924 new recoveries and 227 more deaths logged on Thursday. These figures brought the recovery tally to 2,680,081, while the death count soared to 42,575.
Antigen test results
The positive results from antigen tests were not yet included in the COVID-19 case tally, said DOH-Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr. Alethea De Guzman.
“Sa ngayon po, hindi pa po natin idinadagdag sa ating tinatawag na total confirmed cases iyong mga nagpupositibo or nagiging confirmed gamit ang rapid antigen test (So far, we have not added to our total confirmed cases those who test positive using the rapid antigen test),” said De Guzman.
“Kinukuha po natin ang datos na ito mula sa local government units natin at health facilities at iyon po ang ina-analyze po ng Department of Health (We get this data from our local government units and health facilities and that is what the Department of Health is analyzing),” she added.
Last September, the DOH said it would gradually include the positive results from rapid antigen tests.
Health protocols
De Guzman also reiterated the importance of following the minimum public health standards.
“Despite the decline in our cases, utilization rate and deaths, this is not the time to be complacent. Kailangan po tuluy-tuloy iyong ating pagsunod sa mga ginagawa nating protocols. We need to be able to sustain iyong gains nito (We need to constantly follow the protocols . We need to be able to sustain our gains),” said De Guzman.
She also urged the local government units to implement granular lockdowns if necessary. De Guzman also urged the public to get vaccinated.
“Napakahalaga na hindi lamang tayo makakuha ng unang dose pero kumpletuhin po natin ang dose para maiampat po sa atin iyong karampatang proteksiyon na inaalay ng ating bakuna (It is very important that we not only get the first dose but we should complete the required dosage--- so that we can get the proper protection offered by our vaccine) which is preventing us from getting severe and critical disease,” she said.