The Philippines now has 136,638 cases of COVID-19 as the Department of Health (DOH) reported 6,958 new cases – the highest single-day increase – on Monday, August 10.

The country’s COVID-19 death toll also went up to 2,293, after 24 cases were added to the tally. Meanwhile, 633 new recoveries brought the total number of those who healed from the disease to 68,159.

Of the country’s total coronavirus cases, 66,186 are active cases.

The latest DOH data showed that 60% or 4,163 of the 6,958 new cases are from Metro Manila. The rise in cases continue to strain hospitals in the capital region, where critical care capacity was at 76% – or at the “danger zone” – as of August 9.

The case bulletin for Monday was released at 8:05 pm due to “system error.” Case bulletins are usually released every 4 pm.

NEWS UPDATE: DOH says COVID-19 case bulletin for Monday, August 10, will be released 8:00 pm today due to an "unexpected system error that caused the non-inclusion of new cases in the COVIDKAYA-extracted database. Case bulletin usually comes out at 4 PM every day. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/xjnePEoNA0

— Bonz Magsambol (@bnzmagsambol) August 10, 2020

The Philippines still has the most number of infections in Southeast Asia, followed by Indonesia with 127,083 cases.

Researchers studying the COVID-19 outbreak in the country had estimated that infections nationwide could reach 150,000 cases by the end of August even with a “strict and effective” implementation of general community quarantine restrictions.

The government this week is expected to carry out its new strategy against the coronavirus which Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said would make people feel the presence of the DOH at the local level. (READ: In new COVID-19 strategy, people will feel DOH presence at local level – Vergeire)

On Monday morning, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said families should also wear masks at home. (READ: Año to families: Wear masks at home)

Following Año’s statement, the DOH told reporters in a Viber message that people should use face masks at home if their household satisfies either of these two conditions:

• there is a symptomatic patient living with them
• if a family member is part of the “vulnerable population,” which includes senior citizens, persons who are immunocompromised, and pregnant women

Meanwhile, the DOH said it would not recommend banning the use of rapid antibody test kit for COVID-19 since it has other uses, such as testing patients who are recovering or who may be tagged as recovered.

This was after doctors reiterated that rapid antibody tests only give a false sense of security and may have even contributed to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. – Rappler.com