The Department of Health has announced that the Philippines has already surpassed the 478,000-mark in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases as it records 959 new cases. The total number now stands at 478,761.
The country still has one of the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia.
DOH has also confirmed that the recoveries in the country now stands at 448,279, after 26 patients have been declared recovered from the virus.
In addition, the department announced a record of 6 new fatalities, bringing the total number to 9,263.
President Rodrigo Duterte announced that Metro Manila together with Isabela, Santiago City, Batangas, Iloilo, Tacloban City, Lanao del Sur, Iligan City, Davao City, and Davao del Norte will stay under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ), until January 31, 2021
Under the GCQ status, more industries will be permitted to reopen despite movement limitations. This includes dine-in at restaurants and religious gatherings at 50 percent capacity, provided strict safety precautions are observed.
The rest of the country will be under the more relaxed Modified General Community Quarantine.
