Philippines marks 1 year since first COVID-19 case

A year after confirming the first case of COVID-19 on January 30, 2020, the Philippines has recorded over half a million cases and more than 10,000 deaths.

The country experienced rapid increases in infections during the first half of last year, followed by occasional surges, particularly after holidays.

Despite challenges with testing and contact tracing, vaccines are now available and the economy is gradually reopening under government health protocols.