Philippines logs record-high 7,999 new COVID-19 cases

On Saturday, Mar 20, the Philippines reported a record-high 7,999 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to over 656,000.

This marks the second consecutive day of record-breaking case counts, with Friday seeing 7,103 new infections.

The DOH noted that active cases reached 80,642, the highest this year, and the daily positivity rate hit 14.6%.

Total recoveries increased to 562,484 while the death toll rose to 12,930 with 30 new fatalities.

The DOH also reported 114 new cases of COVID-19 variants, mostly in Metro Manila, including additional B117 (UK variant) and B1351 (South African variant) cases.