The Philippines reported a total of 3,996 new Covid infections on Saturday, July 30.
The new cases brought the number of active cases across the country to 33,509, as shown in the Department of Health's (DOH) Covid-19 tracker.
In the past 14 days, Metro Manila logged the most number of new cases with 13,837; Calabarzon with 9,069; Central Luzon with 4,273; Western Visayas with 2,482; and Central Visayas with 1,725.
Total confirmed cases in the Philippines are now at 3,772,468 since the global pandemic started in 2020. Of this figure, 3,678,240 have recovered, and 60,719 lost their lives.
The DOH, meanwhile, assured the public of the accuracy of the number of Covid-19 cases they are reporting.
“The Department of Health is confident in the accuracy of reporting of cases and surveillance of our units,” it said in a statement on Saturday.
“While the antigen test results are not yet counted in the DOH reports, we are monitoring these through our Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units who track the compliance of antigen test reporting from LGUs and health facilities,” it added.
Healthcare utilization rate remains low despite the increase in cases, the DOH said.
“Even with the observed increase in cases, it is more important that our bed and ICU utilization rates stay low– meaning our hospitals stay open and not overwhelmed,” it said.
“Nationally, as of July 28, 2022, we are still at low risk case classification with an average daily attack rate of 2.52 cases per 100,000 population and a bed and ICU utilization rate of less than 29 percent and 24 percent respectively,” it added.
The DOH also emphasized the importance of vaccination and minimum public health standards.
“We should further improve vaccination and booster coverage to help prevent severe and critical symptoms as well as follow proper sanitation and health protocols such as wearing the best fitted mask, washing hands regularly, and maintaining airflow to prevent further chances of virus transmission,” it said.