The Philippines saw a decrease in active COVID-19 cases, reaching 9,982 on Sunday. Despite this positive change, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 166 new infections. This new figure marks the lowest point in active cases in nearly seven months, since July 3, 2022, when 9,703 cases were reported.
This significant drop in active cases is a first for the country since July 3, 2022, when the number of cases was last below 10,000. The decrease in active cases is a positive sign for the Philippines and its efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.
The past two weeks saw the National Capital Region (NCR) report the most COVID-19 cases with 806, followed by Calabarzon with 421, Western Visayas with 256, Central Luzon with 198, and Davao region with 195. Among provinces and cities, Manila had the highest cases with 148, Quezon City with 143, Cavite with 128, Rizal with 119, and Davao del Sur with 105.
On January 18, the DOH conducted tests on 8,769 samples and 8,441 individuals, yielding a positivity rate of 13.6%.
Data from the DOH also showed that 17.9% of the 26,677 available beds were occupied, with 4,773 beds in use. The DOH reported that as of January 18, a total of 166.058 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered, including 70.981 million first doses, 73.809 million complete doses, and 21.266 million booster doses.
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