DOH reports 77 new COVID-19 cases, highest jump in one day; total cases in PH now 307, deaths 19, recoveries 13
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines has jumped to 307, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Saturday afternoon.Â
In a press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they recorded 77 new cases of COVID-19, the highest jump of cases in a single day since the disease outbreak started.Â
Vergeire also reported that the disease has claimed the lives of 19 individuals. The new fatality was the country's 205th confirmed case, involving a 73-year-old Filipina from San Juan City.Â
The patient is a "known diabetic and hypertensive." The DOH said she was pronounced dead on arrival at The Medical City last March 12. However, she was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, March 18.Â
Meanwhile, 13 individuals have already recovered from COVID-19.Â
"The DOH announces five new recoveries, four elderly, one of which is a severe case," the Health department noted.Â
Among those who recovered was a 35-year-old Filipina from Rizal province with "no travel or exposure history." The DOH noted that she has pre-existing asthma. She was the Philippines' 62nd confirmed case.Â
A 75-year-old Filipina from Makati City also recovered from the disease. She had travel history to the USA and exposure history to a known COVID-19 case. She was the country's 41st confirmed case.Â
The country's 16th confirmed case, a 70-year-old Filipino from San Juan City, also recovered. He is also the husband of Patient 17 who is also among those who recovered.Â
Also among those who recovered is a 72-year-old Filipino from Batangas, who has exposure history to a known COVID-19 case. The DOH said that he was "reported as a severe case on March 13" but was discharged on March 21 as he was already "asymptomatic with two negative results."