New COVID-19 cases breach another record high at 18,332, as Delta variant continues to spread
The number of new COVID-19 cases climbed to an all-time high today of 18,332, along with the continued spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant.
The total number of active cases in the country has now reached 130,350, of which 97.3% are mild or asymptomatic according to the Department of Health (DOH) report.
For the past three days, the number of new COVID-19 cases have pushed north of 16,000 as the positivity rate has hit 24%, which is the total number of cases found to be positive out of the total tested, for the fifth straight day.
The DOH has also tallied 151 new deaths today and 13,794 recoveries.
The DOH also earlier reported an additional 466 new Delta cases in the country, bringing the total now to 1,273.
Of the new cases, 442 are local cases while 14 are returning overseas Filipinos.
The DOH said they have confirmed community transmission of the Delta variant in Metro Manila and Calabarzon, but more evidence is needed to say the same for the entire country.
In a press conference this morning prior to the release of the case reports, DOH Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said they have been already assuming an ongoing community transmission of the Delta variant.
“The DOH is already acting that it's already a community transmission because clusters are being identified and walang link na 'yung infection kapag nag-contact tracing,” Vergeire said. (Bim Santos)
(Thumbnail and banner photo: The facade of the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital where at least 30 mothers are reported to be infected with the virus. KJ Rosales / The Philippine STAR)
