MANILA, March 10 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday that nine more people have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 33.
Workers disinfect a train compartment to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in Manila on March 10, 2020. (Photo: AFP)
The country's Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire clarified that the 11 new cases announced earlier by the DOH "are in fact new positive samples and not cases."
"Upon verification, DOH reported that two of the new positive samples are repeat tests on samples," she told a news conference, adding that the DOH's earlier report that the total cases have reached 35 was a "mistake."
She said all new patients are now confined at different hospitals in Metro Manila and New Clark City in Pampanga province.
"The DOH is conducting comprehensive contact tracing activities for all cases," Vergeire added.
she said the spike of positive cases was due to the "heightened surveillance" efforts of the DOH.
Vergeire said there are no new COVID-19 deaths in the Philippines, adding the 86-year-old American and 62-year-old Filipino male patients are in critical condition due to pre-existing conditions or medical conditions prior to contracting the coronavirus. Both patients are in "guarded condition," she added.
There are now 33 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, including one death. Some of the patients did not have travel history and may have contracted the deadly virus in the country.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a proclamation declaring a state of public health emergency as anxiety mounts over the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Moreover, He ordered on Monday night the suspension of classes in the National Capital Region on March 10-14 as part of efforts to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in Metro Manila after the number of cases more than doubled on Monday.
The Philippine government also canceled a nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill scheduled on March 12, jail visitations, a Philippine Military Academy homecoming, senate headings, and school graduations and the like events.