Philippines sees 18,449 more COVID-19 cases

MANILA, Philippines — Health authorities on Monday reported 18,449 new coronavirus cases, bringing the Philippines' total caseload to 2,509,177. 

Today's numbers saw active cases down by 3,278 from the 161,447 reported on September 26. The Department of Health said two laboratories did not submit screening results. 

• Active cases: 158,169 or 6.3% of the total


• Recoveries: 21,811 bringing the number to 2,313,412 


• Deaths: 93, or now 37,494 overall 

Guidelines signed for pilot return to classrooms

• DOH and the Department of Education signed a joint memorandum circular for the pilot resumption of in-person classes in 100 public schools. 


• Despite the move, there is still no vaccination for children. COVID-19 testing would also not be required for those participating in the pilot study. 


• Malacañang reported that more than 20 million Filipinos are now fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The figure is 26.33% of the government's goal of inoculating up to 70 million this year. 


• The Philippines received three million more doses of Sinovac's COVID-19 jab as part of the supply procured by government.