The Philippines now has 61,266 coronavirus cases, prematurely reaching the projection of experts of 60,000 cases by the end of July.

This is after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 2,498 new cases on Thursday, July 16.

This is the 5th time in the last week that new cases reported in a day surpassed 2,000. The new cases on Thursday is the second-highest single-day rise, following the 2,539 new cases reported on July 8.

The OCTA Research Group had earlier predicted a minimum of 60,000 cases by end-July due to continued community transmission of COVID-19.

Of the new cases, 1,246 were fresh cases or positive results validated in the last 3 days. Meanwhile, 1,252 were late cases or results validated in the last 4 days or more. This is the second highest tally of late cases reported for one day.

The country’s death toll also rose on Thursday to 1,643 with the addition of 29 deaths.

More infected persons recovered – 467. This brings the total recoveries to 21,440.

Where are the new cases from?

Most of the new cases – 76% – still come from Metro Manila. The DOH said that 1,886 of the new cases come from the capital region. Cebu province comes next, with 198 of the new cases coming from there.

Next were the provinces of Cavite (57 new cases), Davao del Sur (44), and Laguna (44).

The new figures come a day after President Rodrigo Duterte approved a slight loosening of quarantine measures in Cebu City and elevated restrictions in some Mindanao areas.

Metro Manila will continue to be on general community quarantine (GCQ) until July 31. It has been under this quarantine mode since June 1. – Rappler.com