The Department of Health has confirmed that the country's total number of recoveries from COVID-19 has jumped to 13.

In a press briefing, Saturday, March 21, Health Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire said that there are five additional recoveries—four of whom are Filipino senior citizens.

"Ito po ay napakagandang balita sa ating lahat amidst of all these fear, confusion, and amidst this crisis," Vergeire said.

"Meron po tayong limang recoveries, apat sa kanila ay nakakatanda...

"Ito ay napakalaking gift para sa ating lahat... na may naka-recover po na ating mga kababayan at sila ay kasama sa vulnerable population natin."

DOH identified the recovered patients as PH16, PH17, PH41, and PH49.

PH16 and PH17 are a couple who resides in San Juan City.

The 70-year-old man and his wife, 69, were confirmed positive on March 9 and discharged on March 19. Both have hypertension.

PH41 is a 75-year-old female from Makati City who has a travel history from the USA.

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She was diagnosed with COVID-19 on March 11 and discharged on March 17.

PH49, a 72-year-old male from Batangas, has an underlying condition of hypertension.

He was confirmed positive on March 11 and, after two days, his case was reported to be severe.

But on March 21 he was discharged "asymptomatic with two negative results."

DOH URGES EVERYONE TO STAY AT HOME

In the same press briefing, Usec. Vergeire also confirmed that, as of 4 p.m. today, the Philippines has 307 positive cases and 19 fatalities.

She said, "Base po sa latest test results, meron na po tayong nadagdag na 77 positive cases sa araw na ito.

"Ang total po ng COVID-19 positive cases as of today ay 307...

"Nakikiramay naman po kami sa mga pamilya na naulila dahil, ngayon po, may nadagdag sa ating deaths, at ang total na po ay labing-siyam."

To prevent the harm COVID-19 inflicts, DOH strongly urges the public to stay in their homes.

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Vergeire added, "Pinapaalahanan po nating lahat na manatili sa inyong bahay para makatulong tayo sa pagsugpo ng COVID-19.

"Iyon lang po ay malaking tulong na sa layunin natin na masugpo ang COVID-19."

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