More recoveries than deaths, COVID-19 cases surge past 5,000

April 14, 2020

Recoveries from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outpaced deaths for the second straight day, the Department of Health said Tuesday.

Fifty-three patients recovered from the virus, raising the tally to 295. Twenty died, putting the aggregate to 335.

There were 291 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 5,223, the DOH added.

In a press briefing Tuesday morning. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they have prepared to conduct the expanded COVID-19 testing as earlier announced by Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer at the National Task Force on COVID-19.

"We will already begin the expanded COVID-19 testing," said Vergeire.

Covered by the initial implementation of the expanded testing are patients or health workers with severe or critical symptoms, has history of travel, and have history of exposure to COVID-19 patients.

Also covered are patients or healthcare workers with mild symptoms, has history of travel, had contact with COVID-19 cases, and are considered  among the vulnerable population, such as the elderly, those with chronic diseases, and pregnant. DMS