THE Department of Health (DOH) logged only 1,923 new cases today, the year’s lowest so far, based on the DOH COVID-19 Case Bulletin issued today, February 19, 2022.
Overall, the number of COVID-19 infections in the country now stands at 3,650,748 cases.
Active cases dropped further to 62,533 cases today compared to yesterday’s 65,796. Active cases are patients undergoing treatment in government hospitals and temporary quarantine facilities.
Recoveries from COVID-19 today, however, went up to 5,158 cases from yesterday’s 3,010 count, pushing overall COVID-19 recoveries in the country to 3,532,608 cases.
In terms of deaths, a total of 198 died today from COVID-19, bringing the number of total deaths to 55,607.
Positivity rate today, meanwhile, was lower at 7.9 percent from yesterday’s 9.1 percent and with 27,761 people tested.
Also, 92.7 percent of the cases were mild and asymptomatic, the DOH bulletin noted.
A total of 100 duplicates were removed from the total case count, of which 94 were recoveries.
Also, 176 cases tagged earlier as recoveries were reclassified as deaths upon final validation.
All laboratories were operational on February 17, 2022, but six laboratories were not able to submit their data to the COVID-19 Document Repository System (CDRS). According to data in the last 14 days, the six laboratories contributed, on average, 0.8 percent of samples tested and 0.4 percent of positive individuals.
The agency continues to remind the public not to become complacent against the threat of COVID-19 and make it a habit to follow the minimum public health standards and to always wear face masks, and also face shields when in medical facilities, maintain physical distancing and frequently wash hands. At the onset of symptoms, immediately isolate and undergo testing. Remember to be tested at the right time, and to be vaccinated in order to receive added protection against COVID-19.