The Philippines now has 5,660 confirmed COVID-19 cases, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Thursday.

The total number of confirmed cases was boosted after 207 new patients were recorded as of 4 p.m. of Thursday, the DOH said.

The latest case bulletin also bared that 82 more patients have recovered from the disease, raising the total of recoveries to 435.

However, 13 more patients passed away, bringing the death toll to 362.

Other essential health services must continue

The Health department also reminded medical facilities to continue providing other essential health services amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“Health facilities, such as rural/city health centers, satellite health centers, birthing centers, treatment hubs, and infirmaries providing essential health services must remain open despite the enhanced community quarantine,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

Vergeire cited DOH Department Circular No. 2020-0167 that states hospitals and other medical facilities should continue to give essential health services despite the pandemic.

“Naiintindihan po namin na mahirap ang ating sitwasyon ng COVID-19 para sa ating mamamayan, mga frontline health workers, at lokal na pamahalaan. Ngunit ngayon mas kinakailangan ng ating kapwa Pilipino ang ating atensyon at serbisyo sa kanilang mga medikal na pangangailangan,” she said.

(We understand that our COVID-19 situation is difficult for our people, frontline health workers, and local governments. But now our fellow Filipinos need more attention and service for their medical needs.)

Amid the enhanced community quarantine, Vergeire said the public should coordinate with their respective local government authorities in case they need to visit a hospital.

“Makipag-ugnayan sa ating pamahalaang lokal sa kanilang mga alituntunin sa pagkuha ng quarantine pass upang makalabas at makapunta tayo sa mga health facilities kung nangangailangan ng mga serbisyong medikal,” she said.