The Philippines recorded 6,913 new COVID-19 infections on Sunday, October 17, bringing the country’s total caseload to 2,720,368.
The new infections were the lowest recorded since August 3, 2021.
The country’s current active cases are now at 81,641, of which 82% are mild, 5.5% are asymptomatic, 3.8% are severe, and 1.6% are in critical condition.
Total recoveries increased to 2,598,052 after 10,237 more patients got well on Sunday. The death toll rose to 40,675 with 95 new fatalities.
Data from the Health department showed that 62% of the country’s intensive care unit beds were utilized, while 46% of the mechanical ventilators were in use.
In Metro Manila, 59% of ICU beds were in use, while 44% of the ventilators were utilized.
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN News reported that a group of doctors has expressed apprehension over the easing of the COVID-19 Alert level in the national capital.
“One of our worries is government might not be able to immediately respond if there’s a slight increase in cases,” said Dr. Maricar Limpin, president of the Philippine College of Physicians.
She said that based on experience, every time restrictions are eased “people forget the observance of health protocols.”
Limpin said hospitals remain full even as reported infections have declined. “We still have many COVID-19 cases. ICU and emergency wards are still full, although it’s not like before,” she said.
The doctor said some hospitals remain short-staffed due to virus infections among health workers.
