Philippines logs 5,867 new COVID-19 cases

On Tuesday, March 23, the Philippines reported 5,867 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 677,653.

The number of active cases rose to a record high of 86,200, while recoveries increased by 620 to reach 578,461 and deaths climbed by 20 to 12,992.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire attributed the surge in cases partly to more infectious variants of COVID-19 present in all cities of Metro Manila but emphasized that non-compliance with health protocols remains the primary cause.