25 provinces have zero COVID-19 cases as of April 30

As of Thursday, April 30, 25 out of the country's 81 provinces have recorded zero coronavirus cases.

These provinces include Batanes and southernmost areas like Sarangani, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

DOH attributes the low infection rates to geographical isolation or mountainous terrain in these regions.

Despite having no reported cases, local officials are concerned about undetected infections; for example, at least three suspected coronavirus deaths occurred in Sulu without testing.