By Analou De Vera The Department of Health (DOH) said that COVID-19 cases in the country reached more than 9,684 on Tuesday after 199 more individuals have contracted the coronavirus disease. In terms of the new cases, 173 cases were recorded in the National Capital Region while the remaining 26 were from other different regions. The DOH also reported that an additional 93 patients have survived COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,408. Meanwhile, 14 more patients died, causing the death toll to rise to 637. Last Monday, the Philippines had 9,485 confirmed cases, including 1,315 recoveries and 623 deaths. Healthcare workers with COVID-19 The DOH also noted that 1,819 health care workers have already tested positive for the novel coronavirus or 18 percent of the country’s total number of cases. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario said that 685 are nurses, 590 are physicians, 107 are nursing assistants, 70 medical technologists, 34 are radiologic technologists, 21 are midwives, 20 respiratory therapists, and 15 are pharmacists. The remaining 277 are composed of other healthcare workers. Vergeire noted that 350 healthcare workers have already recovered while 34 succumbed to the disease. Join the DOH emergency hiring program Amid reports that some medical facilities have laid off some of their workers because of financial losses due to COVID-19, the DOH encouraged those affected health workers to join the Department’s emergency hiring program. “Nabalitaan namin na may mga pasilidad na nagbawas kamakailan ng mga empleyado dahil hindi na sila kaya tustusan. Kaya sa mga kwalipikado, inaanyayahan po namin kayo na mag-apply sa aming emergency hiring program upang matulungan ang ating mga pasilidad,” said Vergeire. facilities.] “Sa mga healthcare workers na nawalan ng trabaho….welcome kayong mag-apply sa aming emergency hiring program ng DOH,” she added. The Health official said they already received requests for additional healthcare workers from 50 medical facilities. Vergeire said that there are now 2,258 slots with 709 applicants have been hired and will be deployed in medical facilities. Health practices The DOH, meanwhile, reiterated the importance of “having a renewed consciousness in health practices and lifestyle amid the COVID-19 pandemic and even long after it is over.” The Health department reminded the public anew to frequently wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more. The public should also avoid touching their faces, especially the mouth, eyes, and nose. They must also keep at least a one-meter distance from other people, adding that they must always wear a mask when going outside their homes. “Frequently clean surfaces in your house, work, or business. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keys, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks,” it said.