DOH: PH COVID-19 cases climb to 462, deaths hit 33

As of Monday, March 23, the Philippines reported a total of 462 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 33 deaths.

The Department of Health (DOH) also announced that 82 new cases were confirmed on Monday afternoon, bringing the total number of cases from 396 to 462.

Eight additional fatalities and one recovery were reported, increasing the death toll to 33 and recoveries to 18.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire attributed the rise in cases to improved testing capacity and extended laboratory operations across the country.

Vergeire noted that while the increase might appear significant, it could be an 'artificial' trend due to enhanced testing capabilities.