The health official, instead, warned that holding and attending Christmas gatherings may increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

The head of British drug manufacturer AstraZeneca said on Thursday further research was needed on its Covid-19 vaccine after questions emerged over the protection it offers, but the additional testing is unlikely to affect regulatory approval in Europe.

More than 8,000 officers of the Philippine National Police have contracted the novel coronavirus, the agency said Friday.

Quezon City recorded the most number of new infections with 116 additional cases.

The foreign affairs department on Thursday said 19 more Filipinos abroad have contracted the coronavirus, bringing the total to now at 11,592.