PH COVID-19 cases up 42% with XBB.1.16 subvariant detected

The Philippines recorded 4,456 new COVID-19 cases in the past week, a 42% increase in average daily infections compared to the previous week.

Of the newly reported cases, 22 were categorized as severe or critical, bringing the total active severe or critical admissions to 351.

The Department of Health (DOH) verified 22 deaths in the past week, although none of these occurred in the last two weeks.

COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) bed occupancy increased to 15%, and non-ICU bed utilization rose to 18.1%.

The DOH reminded the public to wear face masks, ensure proper ventilation, isolate when sick, and get vaccinated and boosted.

The country confirmed its first case of the XBB.1.16 subvariant, also known as 'Arcturus', which is classified as a variant of interest by the World Health Organization.