PH COVID-19 cases top 17,000; DOH says health system not overwhelmed

The Philippines' COVID-19 case count surpassed 17,000 with 590 new confirmed cases reported by the Department of Health (DOH) on May 30, 2020.

The DOH attributed the increase in cases to aggressive efforts to clear a backlog of test results, including 252 'fresh cases' and 338 'late cases'.

The total number of recoveries reached 3,808, while the death toll climbed to 950.

Despite the rise in reported cases, the DOH noted that the case doubling time has slowed to seven days, and critical care utilization rates for ICU beds and ventilators remain low at 34% and 18% respectively.

Health Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire assured the public that the situation is not necessarily worsening and that the health system is not being overwhelmed.

As many areas transition to a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) starting June 1, Vergeire emphasized the continued importance of adhering to minimum health standards, such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and using alcohol.