The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported a total of 579 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country, bringing the total to 22,474.

In its daily Covid-19 bulletin, the DOH said that of the 579 new cases, 331 were “fresh” cases or those whose test results were released to the patients within the last three days.

Of these fresh cases, 114 were in the National Capital Region (NCR), 156 in Central Visayas, 60 in other locations, and one repatriate.

Moreover, the DOH reported 248 late cases or backlogs validated only recently, with 106 located in the National Capital Region, five in Central Visayas, 106 in other areas, and 31 repatriates.

The number of recoveries continued to increase as the DOH reported 106 new recoveries, bringing the total to 4,637 recoveries.

Eight new deaths were also recorded, raising the total fatality caused by the disease to 1,011.

Aid for front-liner fatalities

Meanwhile, DOH Spokesperson Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire said that as of Monday noon, all 32 checks for the healthcare workers who succumbed to Covid-19 have been prepared, with 26 already received by their families.

“Twenty-six have been received by their families, while four have final pending documents, such as special power of attorneys before they can receive the checks. Ang dalawa naman po na natitirang pamilya ay nasa labas ng bansa (The remaining two families are currently outside of the country),” Vergeire said.

For the two cases with families abroad, she said a discussion with the families is ongoing to decide which of their relatives in the Philippines may receive the checks on their behalf.

For health workers who contracted Covid-19 and experienced severe symptoms, she said 10 checks, from the 42 initially reported cases, have been received by the beneficiaries.

These front-liners, eligible to receive PHP100,000 according to the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act,” include 10 more who are still preparing the necessary documents, she said.

“Ang iba ay napag-alaman natin, base sa kanilang medical abstract, na hindi pa sila severe cases kaya hindi po sila (We found that the others, based on their medical abstract, are currently not severe cases and so they are not) eligible to receive the benefits,” Vergeire said. (PNA)