PH records 279 new COVID-19 cases, total now 13,221

The Philippines recorded 279 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, bringing the total number of infections to 13,221, breaching the 13,000 mark.

The Department of Health (DOH) also reported 89 new recoveries, increasing the total to 2,932, and five new deaths, bringing the death toll to 842.

A majority of the new cases, 150, were reported in Metro Manila, with 14 from Region VII and 115 from other parts of the country.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stated that the Philippines is experiencing its second wave of COVID-19 infections.

He warned of a possible third wave in Metro Manila if quarantine restrictions are eased without adequate testing.

Meanwhile, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire defended the policy of not testing asymptomatic individuals without travel or exposure history, citing that 85 percent of COVID-19 cases manifest symptoms.

As of May 15, a total of 207,823 people have been tested for COVID-19, with 31 polymerase chain reaction laboratories licensed by the DOH and over 100 others undergoing accreditation.