Cash queue Transport drivers line up in front of the Land Bank of the Philippines along Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City to withdraw the financial assistance given by the government under its Social Amelioration Program.
| ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

The Philippines has the most number of novel coronavirus cases in Southeast Asia with over 5,000 reports, according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.

The country’s Department of Health announced 291 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, April 14, bringing the official count of infected individuals to 5,223.

After the Philippines, Malaysia trails with 4,817 cases, Indonesia with 4,557 cases, Singapore with 2,918 cases, and Thailand with 2,613 cases.

The DOH also reported that the country’s death toll has risen to 335, with the addition of 20 new fatalities.

Meanwhile, 53 more patients have been cleared of the respiratory illness, bringing the total number of recoveries to 295.

On the other hand, 38,103 individuals are currently being treated in hospitals.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire assured that individuals who are vulnerable or severely ill, and health care workers will be the department’s priority for the risk-based and progressive mass testing.

DFA: At least 700 Filipinos abroad contracted COVID-19

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday reported a 31.6% increase in the count of confirmed COVID-19 cases among Filipinos abroad compared to last week’s figures.

As of writing, there are now 704 Filipinos infected with the disease — 400 of whom are undergoing treatment.

“From a week of reflection in observance of the Holy Week, the DFA records a 31.6% increase in the confirmed COVID-19 cases among our OFs (overseas Filipinos) in the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East/Africa compared to figures last week, which gives a total of 704 confirmed cases as of today,” the agency said.

Four have passed away in the Americas and Europe, bringing the death toll to 88. Meanwhile, 216 overseas Filipinos have recovered.

“The DFA, through its Embassies and Consulates, continues to partner with local health authorities and agencies in ensuring proper implementation of preventive measures and restrictions, and remains steadfast in its commitment to attending to the needs of our kababayan affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the agency added.