Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21) — The Department of Health says it is observing an increasing number of COVID-19 infections in several regions outside of Metro Manila.
Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire on Thursday said they are monitoring the situation in Cordillera Administrative Regions, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Central Visayas, Davao Region, and Soccsksargen.
The official said the spike could be attributed to gatherings held during the Christmas season and issues in enforcement of health protocols.
“Sa nakikita natin sa ngayon, outside of Metro Manila po talaga nakikita natin ang medyo pagtaas ng kaso at ating binabantayan,” she said in a media briefing.
[Translation: We see that the increase in cases are happening outside Metro Manila. We are monitoring this.]
Since the Philippines confirmed its first COVID-19 case in late-January last year, a total of 10,042 people have died of the disease. The country’s case count reached 505,939 on Wednesday, while recoveries are now at 466,993.
