Close to 8,000 new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases were detected by the Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday, March 20 - the second consecutive day that the Philippines set a new record high for new coronavirus infections.
The DOH reported 7,999 new cases of COVID-19 nationwide, surpassing the previous record-high of 7,103 on March 19.
The Philippines' total number of cases since it was hit by the pandemic stood at 656,056. Of the tally, 80,642 are active cases are those who are still undergoing treatment.
The DOH said that 94.4 percent of the active cases have mild symptoms, 3.1 percent are asymptomatic, 0.9 percent are in critical condition, one percent have severe symptoms, and 0.53 percent are in moderate condition.
"Patuloy na mataas na naitatalang bilang ng kaso ng COVID-19 sa bansa, maiging manatili sa lamang sa ating mga tahanan kung hindi naman kinakailangan lumabas (We continue to see high number of new COVID-19 cases in the country, it is better to stay only in our respective homes when it is not necessary for you to go out)," the DOH said.
"Tiyakin din ang wasto at mahusay nating pagsunod sa public health standards kung lalabas tayo para sa mga mahahalagang kadahilanan (Also ensure proper and efficient compliance with the public health standards when we go out for important reasons)," it added.
There were also 30 new fatalities reported, bringing the death count to 12,930. Meanwhile, the recovery tally increased to 562,484 after 597 new survivors were reported.