THIRTY-TWO more firecracker-related injuries have been reported in the country over the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of injuries in welcoming 2021 to 82.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed that 32 new firecracker-related injuries were reported from January 1, 2021, to January 2, 2021 (6 a.m.).

"The total is 311 cases (79 percent) lower compared to 2019, and 477 cases (85 percent) lower versus the five-year average (2015-2019) during the same time period," said the DOH Fireworks-Related Injury Surveillance 2020 Report No. 12.

Of the cases, 81 were fireworks-related, while one is a stray bullet injury.

The National Capital Region had the most number of fireworks-related injuries with 37; followed by Ilocos Region with 11; Central Luzon and Calabarzon with six each; and Western Visayas with five.

Kwitis caused the most number of injuries with 28, followed by piccolo and luces with six each.

Body parts that were most commonly injured were the hands (24) and eyes (22).

A total of 58 injuries were blast/burn injuries not requiring amputation, while two were blast/burn injuries requiring amputation.

There were neither cases of fireworks ingestion nor firecracker-related deaths. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)