COVID-19 cases increase by 999; total now 38,511
The number of people confirmed positive with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country increased by 999 on Wednesday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.
The new cases brought the Philippines’ total number of cases to 38,511 since the disease was first reported in the country last January 30.
Of the additional cases, 595 are classified as “fresh” while 404 are “late.” The DOH data also showed that there are 25,227 active cases as of June 29.
The DOH also announced four additional fatalities, bringing the death toll to 1,270.
The DOH also reported 205 new recoveries, pushing the total number of patients who have recovered from the disease to 10,438.
Meanwhile, another healthcare worker died due to COVID-19. The number of healthcare workers who succumbed to the disease is now at 34.
“Isang barangay health worker mula sa National Capital Region ang latest health worker fatality at 34th health worker death ,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
Vergeire, however, said that the DOH is currently in discussion with other government agencies to continue giving compensation to health workers who have fallen ill or died, as the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” has already expired. It expired last June 25.
“Dahil po na nag lapse na ang effectivity ng Bayanihan law, kasalukuyan po tayong nakikipag-usap sa ibat-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno upang patuloy na makapagbigay ng death benefit claims sa ating mga healthcare worker ,” she said.
To note, under the said law, public and private healthcare workers, who contract severe COVID-19 infection while in the line of duty, are entitled to a P100,000 compensation; while the family of any health worker, who may die while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, shall get a P1 million cash assistance
As of 29 June, there are 3,372 healthcare workers who have been infected by COVID-19, of which 2,514 have recovered, DOH data showed.
‘Stay at home’
The Health official reminded the public under the low risk modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) areas to avoid going out of their respective homes for non-essential purposes.
“Kung wala kang gagawin na essential outside of your home, huwag kang lumabas because you are still in community quarantine kahit sabihin natin na low risk MGCQ iyan ,”said Vergeire.
“Kailangan maintindihan ng lahat ng tao, kahit ano pong level ng community quarantine ang meron tayo sa bawat area natin, may mga basic na prinsipyo at mga basic na dapat ipanapatupad ,” she added.
New levels of community quarantine measures were announced by President Duterte last Tuesday night.
Cebu City is still under the enhanced community quarantine until July 15.
Placed under the GCQ are the National Capital Region, Benguet, Cavite, Rizal, Leyte, Ormoc City, Southern Leyte as well as Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Talisay City, Minglanilla, and Consolacion in Cebu.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country has been placed under modified GCQ.