The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday said it never ordered hospitals to stop reporting the number of deaths related to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“We would like to clarify that DOH has never issued any order to stop the census or reporting of deaths, or any case related to Covid-19 to any health facility. All hospitals and health centers are mandated to report on consultations and/or admissions and the status thereof, that fit the Covid-19 case definitions,” it said.

This came after reports circulated on social media that a hospital in Metro Manila was instructed to stop counting Covid-19 deaths. The post was originally published on the Instagram account of broadcaster Arnold Clavio.

Citing an unnamed front-liner, Clavio also claimed the bodies littered the hallway of said hospital.

In its statement, DOH said it is now investigating the allegation, adding it will provide updates as soon as possible.

On the issue of the Covid-19 fatalities’ burial, DOH said it is closely coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), as well as local government units (LGUs) to ensure that guidelines are followed.

“Pasig City and Quezon City have already designated crematoriums to address this matter, we encourage other local government units to do the same,” it said.

Meanwhile, DOH urged the public to “exercise discretion” when sharing information and to “verify first through DOH’s official channels and legitimate sources.” (PNA)