Philippines Reports Over 5,000 New COVID-19 Cases Amid Rising Infections

The Philippines reported 5,434 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, January 4, bringing the country's total tally to 2,861,119.

Of these new cases, 99% occurred within the last two weeks from December 22 to January 4, with Metro Manila accounting for 71% of the infections.

Active cases increased to 29,809 on Tuesday, up from 24,992 reported on Monday, January 3.

The DOH also recorded 16 deaths and 497 recoveries on Monday, bringing the total death toll to 51,586 and the number of recovered cases to 2,779,241.

Health experts warn of a post-holiday surge in infections as President Rodrigo Duterte raised the alert level in Manila and nearby cities to Level 3 from January 3 to 15 due to rising cases.