NEARLY 300 more confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infections were reported in the last 24 hours, causing the country’s caseload to surge past 5,000.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, the Department of Health (DOH) said an additional 291 cases were reported, bringing the total to 5,223.

Twenty additional deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, raising the death toll to 335.

There were also 53 more patients who have recovered from the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). The total number of recoveries increased to 295.

Covid-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, or Sars-CoV-2. Its severe form could lead to death.

Worldwide, the number of individuals infected with the virus has exceeded 1.77 million. A total of 111,652 persons have died from the disease as of April 13, the World Health Organization said. (SunStar Philippines)