DOH reports 16 new COVID-19 cases, total now 49

As of Wednesday, March 11, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 16 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, bringing the total number to 49.

The DOH is conducting extensive information-gathering and contact tracing activities on these new cases but has yet to determine if they are instances of community transmission.

Of the 49 confirmed cases, 46 patients are currently admitted to hospitals, two have been discharged, and one has died. The majority of cases are in Metro Manila due to its ports of entry and high population density.

Health authorities continue to ramp up efforts to detect possible cases across regions with ongoing surveillance and testing capabilities.