MANILA, Philippines — The number of people diagnosed with the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country has increased to 262, the Philippine health department said Saturday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a text message that as of 12 noon, 32 new cases of the infectious disease, have been recorded.

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Vergeire also noted that one more patient died due to the disease, bringing the total number of COVID-19 fatalities to 19.

Vergeire added that five more people recovered from the disease. This brings a total of 13 patients who have recovered from the disease.

As of posting, the Department of Health (DOH) has yet to give further details of the patients.

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic since it has already infected more than 244,500 people and killed more than 10,000, mostly in China, Italy, and Iran. On the other hand, 86,000 people have recovered so far, mostly in China, from the disease.

People who have COVID-19 could recover since for most people its symptoms were mild like fever and cough. But the illness could also be lethal for others and possibly lead to pneumonia, especially for older adults and those with existing health problems.

The United Nations has warned that the crisis could lead to the loss of nearly 25 million jobs around the world.

/MUF

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.

What you need to know about Coronavirus.

For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

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