The Department of Health on July 15 reported over 1,000 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, as its chief went back and forth on his statements about flattening the curve of infections in the country.
The Philippines recorded 1,392 additional COVID-19 cases, alongside grim announcements of major hospitals that they were now in full capacity in handling the novel coronavirus. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 58,850.
Despite the increase in cases, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III claimed on Wednesday that the country was already flattening the curve or improving its situation. Then, he later corrected himself that the flattening happened in April but cases increased again with the easing of the lockdowns in various parts of the country.
Of the additional cases on Wednesday, 512 are “fresh cases,” which refer to test results released within the last 3 days, and 880 are “late cases,” or those released at least four days ago.
The DOH also reported 517 additional recovered patients or a total of 20,976 recoveries.
There are also 11 additional COVID-related deaths or a total of 1,614. Five of those occurred in July and 6 happened in June.
The relatively low number of deaths has been cited by the government as a sign that the COVID-19 situation in the country is improving despite the increase in cases in NCR and other areas such as Region 7.
This brings the total number of active cases or those who have yet to recover to 36,260. This is slightly higher than the last 2 days.
